By EDITOR
Members of organised labour unions in Ekiti State on Wednesday, organised a peaceful protest in accordance with the nationwide protests and rallies declared by the Nigerian Labour Congress NLC over the removal of subsidy on petrol.
The workers unions in their hundreds stormed the Egbewa secretariat of the NLC Ekiti State chapter in the early hours of this morning with placards carrying various inscriptions condemning the government’s ‘obnoxious and anti-workers policies’ which had left average Nigerians pauperized and hopeless.
The protesters then went on a road show to the Governor’s office enroute NTA road passing Bank road to Fajuyi and finally landed at the main entrance to the Governor’s Office amid tight security
But against the normal practice, the protesters had a easy entrance from the main gate right to the Governor’s Office where they addressed the crowd.
One of the highlights of the succesful rally was the presentation of the union’s demands to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The 12 paragraphs address was delivered by the TUC President, Comrade Sola Adigun and handed over to the SSG, Aihaja, Dr. Adubiaro and Head of Service, Barrister Dele Agbede who represented the governor.
Adigun stated that the protest was a national issue which Ekiti State cannot afford not to participate because it touches the very essence and well being of the Nigerian people.
A member of the negotiating team from the NLC Comrade Ajoloko Oluwafemi in his address described Ekiti State Governor as sensitive to the issue of the pains caused by the removal of subsidy on petrol noting that the governor has proffered solution to most of the problems confronting the nation about a month ago.
He said; “Governor BAO is workers’ friendly. Just last week, he provided four luxurious buses meant for transportation of workers and students without paying a dime I think this is part of palliatives
“And he said in some states they were offering N10,000 to their workers asking what is 10000 naira, a mere political statement. But he said he has constituted a team that should sit and come out with a more reasonable offer that would help in cushioning the hardship of the subsidy removal.
“On the health workers issue: As reasonable and reliable as Ekiti State governor BAO is, he went ahead to constitute a committee within a week and come out with what their counterpart states receive”
Among other issues he mentioned that were thrashed out by the Governor include: the recommendation on promotion of 2020/2021 will be implemented, consequential salary adjustment of Level 14 to 17 will be implemented. He has done very well, he has the workers and citizens of Ekiti at heart. But this protest is unavoidable because it is a national issue”
