By Sunday Elijah
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have resolved to adopt the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on the fuel subsidy removal by President Bola Tinubu.
The decision was taken at an emergency Central Working Committee meeting convened virtually on Saturday, June 3, 2023,
A statement by the National Secretary of the Union, Shuaibu Usman Leman said the meeting was convened to discuss issues surrounding the decision by the federal government to remove Fuel Subsidy and the position already taken by the NLC.
“After presentations by the National President, Chris Isiguzo, and the National Treasurer Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of NLC on the issue.
“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could however lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.
“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.
“Accordingly CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June, 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector,” the statement said.