FUEL PRICE HIKE; Why We Are On Strike: In Defence of the Poor Masses

The on-going national mass action being led by the Nigerian Labour Congress is of utmost importance. Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria fully supports the general strike and popular protests that constitute the mass action, because it is in the interest of millions of Nigerians, who have been pauperized by the anti-poor people neo-liberal policies of the Nigerian state.

 

We find the neo-liberal policy of government as unacceptable and indeed contrary to the earlier declaration of president Muhammadu Buhari in mid 2015. When he declared out rightly that Nigeria's problems were that of lack of security, sabotage, corruption and mismanagement. The president had averred then that "when you touch the price of petroleum products, that has the effects of triggering prices rise on transportation, food nad rents. That is for those who earn salaries, but there are many who are jobless and would be affected by it"

 

As if to justify the presidents futuristic postulation, our survey since the price hike was effected indicate that prices of goods and services have increased by between 80 and 100 percent. Nigerians must not swallow this poisonous economic pill, Rather than resorting to this easy, pro-rich people economic policy, we opine that the revitalization of our refineries which have been condemned to national relics is the answer. Refineries are strategic, national assets for energy, technology, security, skills, investment, increased GDP, employment and government revenue. We therefore call on government to explore these avenues which are clearly necessary for the country's technological and socio-economic development.

 

Considering the fact that the reaction of the government to the legitimate and patriotic rejection of the price hike by the working massess has been anything but honourable  and there have been a few acts of betrayal from some quarters within the labour movement, it is pertinent for us to place the truth before the Nigerian people

 

THE ISSUES

1. On wednesday, May 11, 2016, the federal government unilaterally increased the pump price of PMS (Petrol) by 67.63% form N86.50k to N145.00

- Contrary to the lies spread by Mr Ibe Kachikwu the minister of state for petroleum resources that NLC and some other formations in the trade union movement were consulted, NLC received a letter from the office of the vice-president late in the evening of May 10, 2016 for a meeting the following day, WITHOUT ANY STATED AGENDA

- It was at this said meeting that the vice president prof yemi osinbajo called on Mr Kachikwu to present what, with the benefit of hindsight, was meant to be a fait accompli

- The response of the NLC General secretary, Dr peter ozo-Eson was that, as a democratic federation of medicalworldnigeria.comtrade unions, NLC's position on the presentation could only emerge from a resolution of congress' leading organs after due deliberation. He thus sadi that he would report the FG's proposal to the NLC and a response would be made. Before he arrived back at labour house, the increment was announced with the blatant distortion of "consultation' with NLC

 

2. The Nigerian Labour congress and Trade Union Congress held parallel emergency National Executive council meetings on Friday May 13, 2016 and thereafter issued a joint communique, with demands for immediate reversal of the hike in fuel pump price; reversal of the earlier draconian increase of 45% and above in electiricity tariff, and a halt to the plethora of anti people neo liberal policies being dished out by a governemnt supposedly committed to pro people change, by or before wednesday May 18 2016 failing which NLC, TUC and their civil society allies would;

- Mobilize to the streets across the country, ordinary and helpless nigerians to whom they owe the duty of protection;

- Shutdown all banks, sea and airports, government and private offices as well as markets

- commence indefinite nationwide strike action;

- fight/ resist the machinations and cruelties of the neo-lieberal forces in the government as part of the process of saving the government from itself and the generality of Nigerians from slavery

 

3. The federal governemtn summoned several meetings with the labour movement on Monday may 16 2016, including with the NLC and TUC which are the two trade union federations in the country. Contrary to what would be expected in a democracy, the FG refused to budge from the sharp increase it had unilaterally effected in PMS price. Subsequent to this;

- the NLC leadership reported back to its National executive council on May 17, 2016 where the earlier resolution reached on the matter was reaffirmed.

- The TUC leadership rather unfortunately chose to back out of the popular struggle for the pot of pottage of palliatives. It equally included the commencement of negotiations for an upward review of the national minimum wage as a reason for the questionable action. This is however being disingenuous as the issue of a living wage as new national minimum wage is a quite distinct issue of specific concern to wage earners, while fuel pump price adversely affects not only workers but millions of poor unemployed and informal economy operators

 

4. The Federal Government decided to rub insult upon injury by negotiating with an insignificant opportunistic rabble parading as a splinter of the NLC, as represented by Mr Joe Ajaero, clearly demonstrating its bad faith.

- Since its inception a year ago, the current administration realizing the obvious fact that Nigeria labour congress is headed by Comrade Ayuba Waba mni has consistently related solely with the bona fide leadership of congress

- President Muhammadu Buhari was duly represented by the minister of labour, Dr chris Ngige at the NLC/TUC 2016 May Day parade in Eagle square, whilst the rablle of barely four small renegade affiliates of NLC organized a passing jamboree on the streets somewhere in surulere lagos

- Negotiating with a disloyal rump of bad lossers within the NLC amounts to attempts at sowing seeds of confusion. It is also like having the United nations organization negotiating with leaders os secessionist groups like Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB on behalf of Nigeria which the FGN would not take kindly to. We however make bold to inform the government that this tactic is a failed one already.

 

 

1. The role of Mr. Adams Oshiomole, the governor of Edo state and a former president of NLC on this matter, is to say the least despicable and dishonourable. We unequivocally condmen his self-chosen role of betraying the working  class despite the fact that he rode to national prominence and political significance on the back of our collective struggles. We call on Mr. Oshiomhole to tow the line of honour and desist from bringing the respect he won by dint of being NLC President to disrepute, by placing the interests of the bosses over those of working class-people, whom he once provided leadership for.

 

WE REMAIN UNDIVIDED AND WILL WIN

MHWUN wants to put it on record that we are proud of the sterling leadership qualities being demonstrated by comrade Ayuba Wabba in this heroic struggle. Despite all odds - blackmail and propaganda by the state, deceit and treachery from former labour leaders and a few disgruntled trade unionists - he has stood and continues to stand in the finest traditions of the working class movement.

 

We equally salute trade union leaders from various affilitates of the NLC across the lenght and breadth of the country for thier boldness and commitment. The mass action is now sweeping across the nation, lifting high the flag of exploited and oppressed poor nigerians, who constitute the immense majority of the population

 

We enjoin Nigerian massess to stand firm until victory, for: THE PEOPLE UNITED CANNOT BE DEFEATED!

 

It is on record the Nigeria is the medicalworldngieria.comonly OPEC Country that imports refined petroleum products. We use this opportunity to remind the APC of its promise to build one refinery a year during the campaign. It should rather deliver on its campaign promises than make life unbearable for the poor masses. We thus say NO to fuel price hike. Rehabilitating and upgrading existing refineries and building new ones is the solution rather than dissipating energies on price differentials of petroleum products imported from Europe.

 

We therefore join the Nigeria labour congress to demand for the restoration of the pump price of PMS at N86.50k per litre; reversal of the 45% electricity tariff increase made in february; rehabilitation of our refineries and a stop to anti people neo-liberal policies

 

Signed

Com Biobelemoye Joy Josiah National President

Com. Silas G Adamu Secretary General