The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) wishes to refute statements credited to the Honourable Minister of Labour, claiming that the issues necessitating Labour’s Mass Protests and rallies which begin on Wednesday May 13, 2009, have been resolved.
The Minister, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode was quoted as saying that he was surprised by Labour’s insistence to go on with the mass protests and rallies because Government had resolved the issues in contention.
These claims are incorrect. For instance, while the NLC in a letter to the Secretary to the government of the Federation on December 3, 2008 asked Government as a matter of urgency to establish a tripartite committee composed of Labour, employers and government representation to negotiate a new minimum wage, this is yet to be done.
To us, the issue of pay rise for workers in the country is fundamental given spiraling inflation and excruciating poverty which has made it impossible for workers to meet their basic needs.
Also, we do not have any agreement with government on the deregulation of the oil sector. If anything, the recurrent petroleum shortages which has led to long queues, the high costs of kerosene and diesel have justified Labour’s position that Government’s moves to deregulate the sector will lead to mass suffering, closure of factories and the pauperization of the populace.
A third point on which our planned protests are based is the Electoral Reforms over which Labour has fundamental differences with government on areas like the independence of INEC and its composition by independent persons rather that appointees of the Presidency.
The Congress notes the attempts of Prince Kayode to blackmail it by claiming that Labour supports the deregulation of the oil industry. Nothing can be further from the truth.
The NLC advises government to harken to the voice of the people rather than attempt to blur issues or carry out false propaganda.
Labour reiterates that its nation-wide rallies which begin from the NLC Offices in Tejuosho, Lagos on Wednesday morning 13th May, 2009 will go on as scheduled.
We call on workers and the Nigerian people not to be misled by Government Propaganda.
Lakemfa Owei
Head of Information
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