EKO HOT BLOG reports that prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Femi Fani-Kayode, has strongly criticized the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) for its decision to embark on a nationwide strike, slated to begin on Wednesday, in response to the removal of fuel subsidy and subsequent increase in petroleum pump price.
The NLC had declared the strike following the astronomical hike in fuel prices after the removal of the subsidy.
Despite efforts by President Bola Tinubu’s government to address the public’s concerns, the union proceeded with the strike, displaying its dissatisfaction by abstaining from a scheduled meeting with the federal government on Sunday.
Fani-Kayode took to his Twitter handle on Monday to express his disdain for the planned strike, accusing the NLC of being selective in its outrage. He questioned why the union had remained silent when the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, introduced the cashless policy earlier in the year, which he described as “horrendous.”
In his statement, Fani-Kayode highlighted the lack of NLC’s response to the suffering and hardship caused by the cash confiscation and money deprivation policy. He criticized the NLC’s position, stating that they were willing to go on strike over the implementation of a well-thought-out and credible policy on oil subsidy, endorsed by the Nigerian people who elected a President promising its removal.
Fani-Kayode argued that while the policy might initially be tough, it would eventually restore and resurrect the economy, providing necessary funds for infrastructural development.
Femi Fani Kayode
The APC chieftain questioned the sincerity, double standards, and hypocrisy of the NLC’s leadership, suggesting that they were merely following a script orchestrated by Peter Obi, a former governor and prominent political figure.
Fani-Kayode claimed that the NLC, under Obi’s influence, acted as opportunistic mercenaries, ready to comply with any orders given to them. He further emphasized that, whether the NLC liked it or not, the removal of the oil subsidy was inevitable and essential for the country’s fiscal stability, after years of challenges and deterioration.
The ongoing dispute between the NLC and government regarding the removal of fuel subsidy continues to unfold, with Fani-Kayode’s comments shedding light on the deep divisions and differing perspectives surrounding the issue.
The NLC’s strike action aims to pressurize the government to reconsider its decision, while proponents argue that removing the subsidy is crucial for the nation’s long-term development.
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