The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, on Thursday, condemned the increase in petrol price and electricity tariff across the country.
This was contained in a statement titled, ‘Killing the dead,’ and signed by the TUC president, Quadri Olaleye, and Secretary-General, Musa-Lawal Ozigi on Thursday.
According to the statement, “For the umpteenth time, we have complained about the gradual and steady annihilation of Nigeria in the light of government action.
“Like the book by George Orwell, titled ‘1884’, the government and its agencies have resorted to doing the opposite of what they were set up to do. Government, instead of providing welfare, is killing the people systematically.”
Describing this act, the TUC in the statement said increasing petrol prices and electricity tariffs, among others, “at a time people are losing jobs, businesses are not moving in the light of COVID-19, is, to say the least, wicked.”
It said from all indications, it appeared the government had lost touch with Nigerians, adding the government of the day has implemented all the policies Nigerians have kicked against in the past.
The union added, “They have developed a thick skin that our pleas and cries no longer mean anything to them. No government has raped this country like the present one; ironically it has enjoyed our understanding the most.
“They beat us and when we cry, they send security operatives after us or force us to pay a fine of N5m for ‘’hate speech’’. Our patience has run out.
“In droves, Nigerians flee the shores of this country. Just two days ago, we protested the hike in electricity tariff and sadly, yesterday, they slammed us with fuel [price] hike at a time countries like Ghana and Canada are giving out palliatives to cushion the effects of coronavirus pandemic. It is difficult to cope in this circumstance.
“Do we still wonder why unemployment and insecurity have increased? This is disgustingly shameful. We urge government to listen to the voice of reason and reverse the [petrol] price immediately.
“Stop pushing Nigerians to the wall. This is too daring.
“The Congress is calling a meeting of its organs to take decisions on this obnoxious move.
“The dead are dying again; stop killing the dead!”