In a powerful demonstration of discontent, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State chapter, led a protest in Owerri, the state capital, against the surging cost of living attributed to the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu upon assuming office.
Gathering at Asumpta Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Owerri, the workers proceeded on their protest march through the city, brandishing placards, banners, and NLC insignia to convey their messages. They vehemently criticized the federal government for removing the fuel subsidy without providing any palliatives to mitigate the resulting hardships.
The protesters, primarily consisting of workers from federal government parastatals and agencies in the state, accused President Tinubu of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerian workers and the masses. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, Imo State University chapter, represented by Chairman Odinaka Ejiogu, expressed dismay at the government’s failure to improve the citizens’ quality of life, emphasizing the non-functional state of the country’s refineries as a major factor exacerbating the challenges.
Ada Echebime, the chairperson of NLC in Imo State, demanded an immediate reversal of all government policies adversely affecting Nigerian workers. She highlighted how workers could no longer afford the soaring fuel and commodity prices, which were further worsening their living conditions.
Georgina Onyemachi, the chairperson of the Trade Union Congress in the state, revealed that many workers had parked their vehicles due to the exorbitant fuel prices. Ebere Obioma, the president of the Senior Academic Staff Union Association at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education, Owerri, criticized the government’s lack of respect for workers and its failure to address salary arrears and other financial obligations owed to employees.
Uche Ejiogu, James Chukwuyere, Chibuzor Uche, Rapheal Chukwu, Earnest Nnanabu, and Nicholas Agu, all echoed the call for the government to reverse its policies causing hardships and suffering for the people.
Despite waiting for hours, the workers dispersed from the venue without receiving any response from the state government, as Governor Hope Uzodinma was reportedly away in Abuja. The protest showcased the workers’ determination to have their voices heard and their grievances addressed.