Christian, Muslim Group Beg NLC, TUC To Shelve Strike Action

The Muslim League of Nigeria (TML) and the Forum of Nigerian Christian Leaders (FNCL) has called on Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to shelve the planned nationwide strike scheduled to commence on Wednesday in protest of the pronouncement made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as petrol.

The group also urged Nigerians, especially the workforce in all 36 states of the nation, to put the benefits of ending the petrol subsidy ahead of the drawbacks.

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The Muslim group claims that the payment of more than 12 trillion Naira in subsidies to a few cabals over the course of the last four years is not only absurd but also insensitive to economic reality.

“As a group of religious leaders, it is our duty and responsibility to ensure we always pray for progress and development of our country as well as messages of peace and unity to our adherents.” the group stated.

“We can’t fold our arms and pretend all is well when we see impending tension and crisis brewing that are capable of destroying the existing peace.

“We are not unaware that Nigerians continue to writhe in agony over sudden hike in the pump price of petrol and the soaring cost of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy.”

The Forum of Nigerian Christian Leaders (FNCL) also urged labour unions to think carefully about the financial effects of organizing a nationwide protest for Wednesday.

The Christian group urged President Tinubu to convene a meeting of all relevant parties, including business leaders, labor unions, and other pressure groups, in the statement jointly signed by its chairman, pastor James Adeleke, vice chairman, pastor Moses Onuoha, secretary, pastor Eziekel Kanyip, and assistant secretary, pastor Garba Dickson.

“We reliably gathered that the NLC insisted on the announced plans to down tools from Wednesday, if the pump price is not reversed, but are appealing to the unions to consider exhausting all tools of lobbying and negotiation to avoid subsequent hardship the strike action will cost the country.

“While we appeal to President Tinubu to remain focused and committed to his campaign promises, we are calling on him to see the labour unions more as partners than enemies”.