by Christiana Gokyo, Jos
The Federal Government has been called upon to cushion the effect of suffering by introducing measures of tracking the cost foodstuffs, transportation, and fuel subsidy removal.
Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comdr. Eugene Manji, was speaking during the nationwide protest directed by the National Chairman of NLC, at the State Secretariat Round-About Jos on Tuesday.
According to him, “The nationwide protest is practically aimed at bringing the attention of the Government to the plight of average hardship Nigerians are undergoing through and find solution to the rising Dollar and Nara exchange rate in the market.
He observed that, “People can’t afford essential goods and services, owning to dollar exchange rate; and the problem has affected the home product of items farmed here in the locally.”
He urged government to take urgent measures towards tackling the problem, if not, the situation might result to insecurity, and federal and state won’t control the situation.
Comdr. Manji further urged the federal and state governments to address the lingering problem of fuel, exchange rate and food insecurity to prevent violent extremism, as hunger increase is gradually pushing Nigerians into impatience.
Our correspondent reports that the Tuesday nationwide protest witnessed total compliance, even as the skyrocketed prices of foodstuffs were temporary on hold, as those shops were closed down.
While addressing the union members, Comdr. Manji lamented the challenge posed by poor condition of service in Federal and State Governments.
He stated that, “Let the government come and rescue the situation before it escalates into crises. We see that the exercise is so peaceful, not like other states, but we are appealing to the appropriate authority to take action.”
Comdr. Eugene stressed that, “The reason for controlling the number of workers that should come out is due to the recent attacks in Bokkos, Mangu, Barkin-Ladi. That is why we limited those that should come out.”