By Chesa Chesa
The Labour Party (LP) has condemned the manner President Bola Tinubu ended fuel subsidy regime in his inaugural address to the nation, without adequate consultations with stakeholders like the labour unions, and without appropriate conditions.
A statement issued Tuesday by Obiora Ifoh, the acting National Publicity Secretary of LP, noted that Tinubu’s action has caused the pump price of petrol to shoot up to N600 per litre and N750 per litre in the black market, with commercial transporters hiking their trip fares across the country in response to the developments.
According to ifoh, “this scenario easily reminds one of the story of a certain Pharaoh who on assumption of throne empowered his task-masters to triple the daily tasks of the Jews. What a way to announce one’s emergence as the sheriff in town.
“President Tinubu’s first executive proclamation was such that it is purposed to inflict pains on Nigerians.
“Labour Party while campaigning in the last election also proposed ending the subsidy regime however, on the condition that necessary policies and actions would have to be in-situ.
“Labour Party also insists that the subsidy removal will be gradual and must be done with stakeholders input having in mind that a number of refineries will be recalibrated to near optimal functionality.
“The removal of subsidy by a presidential fiat as witnessed yesterday was not only shocking but practically took every Nigerian by surprise. Reason we advice Nigerians to brace up for more rude shocks and surprises in the days ahead.
“Labour is therefore condemning the unilateral decision by President Tinubu who without any form of consultation with the stakeholders particularly, the Labour unions removed the subsidy on petroleum and has instantly pushed Nigerians further into hardship.
“Labour Party has observed with pains that some of the petrol stations operators simply shut their filling stations and depot owners also shut their operations. They have also argued that no clarification was given on the execution of the policy.
“We are therefore calling on the government to quickly reevaluate the policy, and come up with a more practical plans to remove the subsidy in such a way as not to jeopardize the peace of the nation.
“We are also calling on the various unions, social activists and Nigerians in general to be be watchful and ensure that democracy is not derailed by whatever means and guise.”
