Against the proposed removal of petroleum products subsidy, the Organised Labour has intensified consultations ahead of its Thursday nationwide rallies.
Deputy President, Joe Ajaero, told reporters at the weekend that they had sent letters to heads of the over 50 affiliates and state councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asking them to host strategic meetings today to hold a successful rally.
He also said he has briefed leaders of Civil Society Organisations (CSO) who are in support of the protests.
The Federal Government, however, faulted the planned rallies because it was yet to take a final decision on subsidy.
Recall that the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo had recommended an increase in the pump price of fuel from N162.50 to N302 per litre.
The recommendation followed the report of a NEC ad-hoc committee interfacing with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) on the appropriate pricing of petroleum products in the country.
In an interview with reporter, Ajaero explained: “Nothing stops the rally planned for this week; whether they are removing it (subsidy) tomorrow or next year. The thought of it is not acceptable.
“Mobilisation is high in all the states. We need to sensitise Nigerians. We are through synergy meetings with civil society groups. We are going to states to mobilise workers, civil servants and other Nigerians.
“There is a letter to every person; every affiliate because they took a decision at the National Executive Council meeting. Letters have been sent to state councils on the mode of operation.
“Letters have also been sent to all the people that will coordinate each state who are coming from the National Administrative Council.
“Labour has been delegated to go to the field from Monday (today) to start holding consultative and preparatory meetings ahead of the protests.
“Civil society groups would go back to their cells and make decisions on how they want to participate.”
