President Bola Tinubu has appealed to the labour unions to give government more time to address the issues bedeviling the country.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have fixed October 3rd to embark on an indefinite strike following the removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government and the attendant hardship it has brought on Nigerians.
Tinubu, who was represented by the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Barau Jibrin, at a public lecture to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Friday in Abuja, announced that the Federal Government is determined to address the socio-economic challenges facing Nigerians.
Whilst urging them to sheathe their swords “in the interest of the masses”, Tinubu said his government was doing everything within its power to bring succour to Nigerians.
“I want to emphasise as well that this government is new and the government is doing all within its powers to make sure it brings succour to the entire people of this country.
“Government has already gone ahead to provide N500 billion to states to cushion the effects of subsidy removal.
The President enjoined members of the unions to consider dialogue as the best way to resolve the issues.
“The Sultan also talked about the issue of strike by the NLC. Please, on behalf of the President and the entire government, this is not the time for strike. It is too early.
“Please let’s dialogue, let’s get together, let’s understand ourselves and let us look at the prevailing situation in the country,” he said.
Earlier in his remark, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), had appealed to labour unions to shelve the nationwide strike slated to commence on Tuesday.
Abubakar urged Labour not to embark on the industrial action but continue to dialouge with the Federal Government.
He emphasised the need for dialogue to find solutions to the issues “instead of embarking on a strike”.
“I am an advocate of dialogue because strikes don’t solve problems; they make them worse. Our leaders must tighten their belt, the common man is suffering.
“I don’t think this government will just decide to make life bad for the people; as leaders and elders, we will always call on stakeholders not to embark on journeys that will make life worse for the common man.
“I don’t think government can take it upon itself to make life unbearable for the common man, let’s give them chance and see what they can do,” he said.
According to him, strike will add more problems to the existing economic situation.
“If people are on strike, there wouldn’t be electricity, water, hospital and transportation system.
“Please, let’s reach out to our brothers and sisters who are clamouring to go on strike. They should have a rethink,” Sultan appealed.
