According to a statement signed by TUC President, Comrade
Quadri A. Olaleye, the hike was effected despite negotiations still ongoing
with organised labour over the last increase that became effective from
November 1.
“Sometimes we wonder why this government espouses unfriendly
policies that are capable of crippling the economy,” the statement said. “There
are many companies that have either closed shops or relocated to neighbouring countries
because they cannot afford to pay the last tariff hike yet this government has
done another one.
Does it mean there is no other way this government can
creatively generate revenue? It has become obvious that the outrages from the
organised labour and the masses and the series of negotiations we had with
government were just cosmetic and hypocritical.
“There is so much deceit and laziness in the system. There
is hardly any promise made that they have followed through. Only yesterday we
read again that the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) is withdrawing
its members because this same government has reneged on its promises reached
few days ago. How can government go ahead to increase tariff again when we have
not resolved the one done earlier? This is preposterous, ridiculous and sheer
wickedness.
“We have been labelled what we are not because we want a
peaceful industrial atmosphere. The economy was struggling before the outbreak
of the pandemic and we thought it was wise not to worsen our situation.
The sacrifice means nothing to these people, who force us to
tighten our belt while they loosen theirs. Darkness enhances criminal
activities and now they have chosen to keep us in darkness thinking their high
fences will save them.
“We call on government to be responsible for once. Nigerians
will like to know what we gained from border closures. Insecurity did not stop,
neither did it stop the smuggling of rice and others. You don’t just churn out
policies without weighing the pros and cons.
How many people can afford to pay the last bill, talk less
of this recent one? The organised labour should not be pushed to the wall
because it will actually do ALL no good. Government must revert to the old
price or be willing to accept the outcome of this decision. This is a betrayal
of trust and it is unfortunate.”
0 comments:
Post a Comment