From Rashidat AbdulRahman, Minna
The Deputy Governor of Niger State, Comrade Yakubu Garba, has joined leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, and Civil Society Organisations on a massive protest over the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Comrade Garba, who was the chairman of NLC in Niger State before becoming the deputy governor reassured the organised labour of state’s government commitment to promoting the welfare of citizens of the state, stating that NLC should seek higher salaries and allowances that would positively change living standards.
The Deputy also called on the federal government to reconsider its stance on fuel subsidy removal, since it is causing serious hardship to the people and commended the NLC and other trade unions for organising a peaceful protest.
Chairman of NLC, Niger State Council, Comrade AbdulKareem Lafene in his submission requested for Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000) as palliative for all civil servants in the state.
The chairman also requested that the palliative should go wider as to include pensioners, students and members of the informal sector and called for suspension of Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax for workers pending the review of minimum wage.
In his address, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Barr. AbdulMalik Mohammed Sarkin Daji assured Nigerlites of their full support at all times, stating that three motions have been adopted to help in cushioning the effects of removal of fuel subsidy.
He explained that the motions are for upward review of salaries for civil servants, provision of palliative and urgent need for the federal government to open its silos in the state and sell grains at subsidizes rate.
The Speaker thanked the NLC and Trade Union Congress for believing in the legislature, even as the protestors converged on the Assembly Complex to table their demands.
