Organised labour under the auspices of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued the federal government a seven-day ultimatum to immediately reverse the sudden hike in prices of electricity, petrol and all other social services in the country to status quo failure of which it will embark on an indefinite industrial action and national protest commencing from Wednesday, September 23, 2020. The organised labour said that it had just concluded a meeting of its organs where it resolved to issue the strike ultimatum. This comes as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) meets tomorrow over the same issue. In a letter dated September 14, President and Secretary-General of TUC, Quadri Olaleye and Musa Lawal, respectively, insisted that Nigerians could no longer bear the burden of harsh and anti-poor policies.
The letter addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari observed the gradual and steady annihilation of Nigeria and Nigerians in the light of government actions for the unpteenth time.
The letter read in part "We bring you warm greetings from the National Executive Council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and write this letter to draw your Excellency's attention once again to earlier communication on the following SALIENT issues.
"We have observed the gradual and steady annihilation of Nigeria and Nigerians in the light of government actions for the umpteenth time. Some of the issues that have become worrisome to the working class, their families and the masses include:
"Sudden increase in petroleum Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) products pump price without any definitive and concrete efforts to make our refineries functional, which has a devastating multiplier effect on the working people and their families.
"Increase in electricity TARIFFS without proper consultation and consideration of the effect of COVID-19, commensurate electricity supply, non-provision of prepaid meters, and other biting economic realities.
"Non-implementation of the negotiated National Minimum Wage by most of the state governments, and federal government's inability to create and sustain salary date calendar and ensure transparency.
"Corruption in government agencies such as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Federal Ministry of Health over failure to explain and lack of transparency on how funds received in the fight against COVID-19 was spent among others.
"Palliative that never got to those that needed them etc.
"Your Excellency, we can no longer bear the burden of these avoidable problems. These demands are made in good faith, and to save the dying masses and the vulnerable in our society."
