…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. Adewole Adebayo, the presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding their intention to hold a nationwide strike in response to the removal of fuel subsidy.
The President, Bola Tinubu, had declared the end of fuel subsidy in his inaugural speech, which subsequently led to an increase in petrol prices across the country.
NNPCL’s Revised Pump Price Triggers NLC’s Protest Threat
Following the President’s announcement, the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) reviewed the pump price of petrol from approximately N185 to over N500.
In response, the NLC demanded a reversal of the fuel subsidy removal and threatened to protest the subsequent petrol price hike.
SDP Candidate Criticizes NLC’s Strike Plan and Lack of Opposition During Elections
Adewole Adebayo, in a statement to reporters in Abuja, criticized the NLC’s planned strike, asserting that it lacks jurisdiction and should be called off immediately.
He pointed out that during the election period, the three main presidential candidates, including the leading parties, promised to remove fuel subsidy, and over 20 million Nigerians voted for them.
Adebayo questioned why the NLC did not voice their concerns when these promises were made.
Lack of Reason for Protest and Party Affiliation
Adebayo expressed his confusion as to why the NLC and other Nigerians supporting the strike had no genuine reason to protest against the removal of fuel subsidy, especially since they did not vote for his party, the SDP, which promised to sustain the subsidy.
He highlighted the significant price increase by fuel stations following the President’s speech and the subsequent impact on transportation fares and passengers.
Focus on Corruption and Alternative Solutions
The SDP candidate emphasized the need to tackle corruption as an alternative solution rather than removing the subsidy.
He argued that the subsidy serves as a social safety net and helps control other cost drivers to prevent cost-push inflation.
Adebayo called for a reduction in corruption and wastage, asserting that this would alleviate the burden on the people instead of removing the subsidy.
Adebayo Questions NLC’s Opposition Timing
Adewole Adebayo’s criticisms of the NLC’s planned strike stem from their lack of objection during the election period when the major parties openly advocated for fuel subsidy removal.
As the controversy surrounding the removal of fuel subsidy continues, it remains to be seen whether the NLC will reconsider their stance or proceed with their protest.
Read More On The Topic On TDPel Media
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn
Read Related News On TDPel Media
