26 Unions Protest Against ‘Anti-people Policies’ Amid Tight Security In Bayelsa 

At least 26 affiliate unions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on a nationwide peaceful protest against what they termed anti-people policies of the Tinubu-led administration in Bayelsa State on Wednesday.

The protest rally, which began at OMOADEC in Amarata, Yenagoa, the state capital around 8.10am, was concluded at the Creek Haven Government House.

Hon. Stanley Braboke, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment, and Productivity, extended a warm welcome to them at the Government House, representing Governor Senator Douye Diri.

The workers conveyed their dissatisfaction regarding the recent events following the removal of fuel subsidy. They found the proposed N8,000 palliative for 12 thousand households to be insulting to Nigerians, along with the constant rise in fuel prices, increased school fees, and the hardships faced by Nigerians.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Council of the NLC, Comrade Barnabas Simon and Secretary, Comrade John Angese, the workers described the protest rally as a march for the survival of Nigeria and Nigerians.

Barnabas said, “The removal of fuel subsidy was hasty with no thought-out plan to cushion the effects on workers and other Nigerians already at the poverty belt.

“Every family feels the fang of the harsh policies of government which has resulted in the astronomical increase in transportation, food, goods and services, tuition fees, rising cost in accessing quality healthcare just to name but a few.

“Today, we are gathered here after a Peaceful Protest Rally in solidarity with our National Leadership, to present to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR through you, this document registering our protest to the hardship his policies have brought upon us since he took over leadership of Nigeria.

“The government, ought to look out for the wellbeing of its citizens, but we are beginning to loose faith as today’s reality shows that the priority of government has shifted from that direction.

“We are confident that you share in our plight and appreciates what we are going through under the prevailing circumstances which are beyond your purview.”