TheCable

The Labour Party (LP) says it is in support of the indefinite strike the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) are set to embark on.

On Tuesday, the NLC and TUC directed members and affiliate bodies to commence a mass action on October 3, in protest of the state of the nation.

Reacting, Obiora Ifoh, LP national publicity secretary, in a statement issued on Wednesday said Nigerian workers have shown enough patience and understanding to the government.

“The leadership of the Labour Party is in support of any legitimate means to be deployed by Nigerian workers to press for better remunerations,” the statement reads.

“The party therefore fully supports the resolution of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to embark on an industrial action slated to commence as of Tuesday, October 3rd.

“We have followed with keen interest, in the last four months, various meetings between Organized Labour and various government bodies including the President of the Senate, the presidency, and the ministers of Labour as well as all the efforts made by the Labour leadership to get the government to understand the magnitude of sufferings government policies have thrown Nigerian workers and the entire populace into since the enthronement of this administration.

“Labour Party is surprised that the government claimed that it has removed subsidies on petroleum products and that it now generates over a trillion naira monthly, yet it finds it difficult to address workers’ demands.

“Daily, Nigerians are subjected to harsh economic realities where the inflation rate is nearing 30 percent, where a dollar is sold above N1000, and where par-capital income has depreciated.

“Many families are withdrawing their wards from schools over a hike in school fees, while criminal activities are surging daily.

“We think that the Nigerian workers have shown enough patience and understanding.

“We are also using this medium to inform all our members and supporters to stock their homes with their necessary needs ahead of a long-drawn mass action until victory is ascertained.

“No retreat, no surrender.”