NLC PROTEST: EBONYI WORKERS INSIST ON LIVING WAGE

REPORTER: AMECHI ODO

Workers under the aegis of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Ebonyi State on Tuesday joined their counterparts in other parts of the country to protest against the rising inflation and other anti labour policies of the Federal Government.

The workers, who took off from Pa Ngele Oruta Township Stadium Abakaliki, marched through the Old Enugu Road and Ogoja Road bearing placards with various inscriptions.

Some of the placards read: “President end poverty in Nigeria,” “We say no to high cost of living,” and “Nigerians are dying of harsh polices.”

The protesting union members were escorted by armed security agents.

Addressing the workers, the NLC Chairman in the State, Professor Ogugua Egwu, explained that the protest march was to say no to extreme hunger and failure by the Federal Government to implement all the agreements reached with the Organized Labour to reduce hardship in the country.

The Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities, EBSU Chapter, Professor Ikechukwu Igwenyi, said the cost of every item and service in Nigeria had increased but lamented that they were still being paid with a salary structure they had since 2009.

Two other protesters urged the Federal Government to address the issue of subsidy removal and floating of Naira as they were finding it difficult to survive.

Radio Nigeria gathered that the protest continues on Wednesday barring any change of action by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU