TUC To Resist Planned Increase In Electricity Tariff

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria ( TUC ) has vowed to mobilize Nigerians to resist the proposed increase in electricity tariff as canvassed by the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, saying it was not the solution to the energy crisis in the country.

The congress also asked political actors in the country to avoid hate speeches in the count down to the 2019 general elections.

It expressed concern over the increasing volatile political terrain which it said is not good for the nation’s  democracy.

The Congress, in a communique at the end of its National Executive Council meeting also expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the country, especially the resurgence of the Boko Haram insurgency and the persistent killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in parts of the country.

In the communique signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Musa Lawal M. Ozigi, the congress wants the government to declare a state of emergency in the power sector as no nation can develop with power.

The TUC said it was worried about the worsening security situation in the country and in particular condemned the recent killings across the country by Boko Haram, Fulani herdsmen and militiamen and asked the Federal Government to take drastic action to build citizens confidence in the system and ensure that the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are brought to book.

It  observed that the political terrain has become volatile once again and therefore enjoined all political leaders to ensure that peace and order are maintained amongst their followers.

“Politicians should avoid hate speeches so that both the common man and workers can attain fulfillment.  It also calls on the Governors owing workers to pay and not convert public funds and workers salaries for election purposes.”

In the lingering fuel situation in the country, the TUC that the current situation in which the NNPC is the sole provider of fuel to the nation and absorbing subsidies is not healthy for the nation and the corporation and advised government to reimburse the NNPC so as to enable it to perform its primary obligation to the country.