A Port Harcourt-based philanthropist, David Ateke Sikpa, has condemned recent moves by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to embark on nationwide strike action, following the scarcity of Naira notes in the banks.
Sikpa, in a statement made available to LEADERSHIP in Port Harcourt on Sunday, described the decision of the Joe Ajaero-led NLC as “as anti-people, provocative, counter productive and self-serving.”
He stated that Nigerians have grown through economic hardship lately to be thrown further into NLC-inflicted hardship as a result of the planned strike action.
The philanthropist further stated that the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, had apologised to Nigerians over the hardship experienced as a result of the apex bank’s policy.
Sikpa, who is also a comedian and public affairs analyst, advised commercial banks to dispense bith old and new Naira notes simultaneously, in obedience to the judgement of the Supreme Court of Nigeria.
He said: “It is unfortunate that the NLC intends to embark on this strike, crying more than the bereaved, when the Governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele has tendered unreserved apology to Nigerians and has further given directives to deposit money banks to implement order of the Supreme Court.
“Where was NLC when ASUU was on eight months strike and Nigerian students were so helpless? Where was NLC when Nigerians were killed for voting candidates of their choice? Where was NLC when Nigerians were kidnapped and killed randomly by bandits among other insecurity challenges?
“Where was NLC over hike in food stuff, growing inflation among other economic challenges? Where was NLC over various anti-people policies?
“Where was NLC when it’s members were perpetually denied promotion, non- payment of salaries and gratituity to pensioners who died every day inability to access their benefits from state governors who are unwilling to pay their entitlement?
“It’s reallly a shame that leadership of NLC rather than be on the side of the people is more anti -people than the institution it set out to antagonise.”
The philanthropist advised the leadership of NLC to rescind its decision and allow the Central Bank of Nigeria to execute the ruling of the Supreme Court.
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