The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, for his statement regarding the shutdown of the National Grid by the Organised Labour on Monday.
In a press release issued on Friday, NLC spokesperson Benson Upah stated that those truly engaging in economic sabotage are individuals who wear flowing Agbada (robes), travel in convoys, and hold positions of power.
The NLC emphasized that their actions were aimed at advocating for economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens, particularly in relation to demands for a new minimum wage, a reduction in electricity tariffs, and an end to discriminatory practices in electricity billing.
The NLC clarified that the real economic saboteurs are those involved in corrupt practices such as embezzlement, diversion of public funds, and other fraudulent activities, rather than the actions of the Organised Labour.
The individuals clad in expensive Agbada attire and travelling in convoys across the country are not innocent workers, but rather individuals in positions of power who have chosen to neglect the plight of the workers.
The recent decision to withhold their services is a direct result of the unjust treatment they have endured at the hands of the government. It is truly disheartening to witness the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), a prominent government figure, downplay the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers.
His claim that he cannot afford to pay his four drivers N100,000 each per month only serves to highlight the vast disparity between government officials and the everyday struggles faced by the Nigerian populace. Such remarks do little to address the underlying issues and only serve to further escalate the existing tensions.
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