Nigerian journalists have resolved to withdraw their services from Wednesday, June 7, in line with a directive by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The Central Working Committee of the Nigeria Union of Journalists on Saturday decided to join the protest of the removal of petrol subsidy by the federal government.
A statement signed by the General Secretary of the Union, Shuaibu Usman Leman, says, “after presentations by the National President, Chris Isiguzo, and the National Treasurer Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of NLC on the issue.
“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could however lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive Government as being insensitive to their plight.
“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.”
NLC also “directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June, 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector.”
