Labour Asks Tinubu To Immediately Reverse Fubara’s Suspension, Withdraw Tax Bills

The organised labour movement in Nigeria has called on President Bola Tinubu to immediately rescind what it views as the unlawful suspension of the elected administration of Rivers State via a state of emergency.

The request is part of the demands put forward by both the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, Comrades Joe Ajaero and Festus Osifo, at the May Day celebration held in Eagle Square, Abuja.

The union leaders encouraged the federal and state governments to cease efforts that degrade civic space and deepen it for the sake of the nation.

It demanded democratic accountability, built on transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissent.

Labour urged the federal government to cease what it called the genocidal massacres and bloodletting across the country, stating the number one obligation of the government is protecting the safety of lives and property of the inhabitants.

On the tax proposals before the National Assembly, the organised labour has urged for their removal to allow Nigerian workers to sit at the table where it is being formed.

The organised labour contends that the tax measures, which were draughted without the assistance of the NLC and the TUC, burden workers while exempting the wealthy and companies.

On account of the spike in telecommunication costs, the workforce asked for an immediate reduction from 50 cents to 35 cents.

Furthermore, the organised labour has asked for an urgent salary adjustment that is appropriate with the current economic reality in the country.

Other requests by the Labour are quick payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions and gratuities across the nation; reinstatement of gratuity payments; upward revision of retirement age; and automatic adjustment of pensions to reflect inflationary trends.