Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, Ayo Olorunfemi has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress for what he described as selective activism in response to government policies.
Speaking in an interview on TVC News, Olorunfemi questioned why the NLC has remained largely quiet despite the hardship caused by fuel subsidy removal under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He recalled that upon assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu announced the removal of fuel subsidy, a decision that immediately triggered a sharp rise in pump prices across the country. According to Olorunfemi, fuel prices moved from about N180 per litre to as high as N1,000 in some areas, pushing inflation and worsening living conditions for millions of Nigerians.
“When our brother, Emilokan came and removed subsidy and price of fuel moved from N180 to N1,000, and they are now reducing it to N20, did we see any protest from NLC influenced by Oshiomhole?,” Olorunfemi asked.
He argued that the Labour movement, which was known for organizing mass demonstrations against subsidy removal in the past, appears reluctant to challenge the current administration. Olorunfemi suggested that the silence of the NLC raises concerns about political interference and double standards.
The Labour Party chieftain stressed that Nigerians have continued to bear the brunt of the economic fallout from subsidy removal, and that organized labour has a responsibility to hold the government accountable. He further noted that workers and the masses expect the NLC to act in defense of their welfare, regardless of which party is in power.
SOURCE: Castro_Cash_Jagaban