The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti State Chapter on Tuesday joined their counterparts from other states to protest against hunger and hardship in Nigeria, demanding good standard of living for all and sundries.
Honouring the National body of NLC, Ekiti state chapter commenced protest from Governor’s Office Junction through Okesa, Erekesan to Fajuyi among others chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with inscriptions like: “make life worth living for the masses”, “price of goods/ food stuffs too high, bring prices down” Say no to hunger”, “Go back to #100 per litre, we are tired”, “Stop subsidising the rich, let the poor breath”, among others.
Addressing journalists, the NLC Chairman, Comrade Kolapo Olatunde said the hike in the price of food and other commodities has made life almost unbearable for common Nigerians.The NLC leader urged President Tinubu to hold meetings with stakeholders to device a means of addressing the current economic sliz that has subjected all Nigerians to hardship.
He said, “We are fighting for the rights of the citizens, that’s why we are calling the President Tinubu who is also one of us, to do the right thing.
“We are not fighting him, although, things might not be right in the past, but he should also talk to the reliable stakeholders to advise him.
“We want our country to be good because we know it’s full of goodies and we are naturally endowed ”
“If they do it well, exchange rate will not bring shame to our naira currency, we can’t be producing and still be suffering.”
The NLC Boss lauded Governor Biodun Oyebanji over the recent payment of pensioners and civil servants arrears, saying the move is commendable.
He, however noted that “cooperative deduction still remain six. We thank Governor Oyebanji that he extended the subvention to Ekiti State University, EKSUTH, BOUESTI, College in Ijero and Ijan and we know he will also settle those people in the Judiciary.”
Kolapo said the protest will continue tomorrow until the federal government heed to their demands.
The protesters barricaded the roads leading to the Oba Market, Bashiri and Adebayo area for over two hours to show their grievances against the harsh economy of the present administration.
The policemen were fully on ground to protect the protesters against possible hijack by unscrupulous elements.
Recall, the commissioner of police in Ekiti state had engaged the labour leaders to make the protest peaceful with the promise to protect them from any form of attack.