Rivers NLC, TUC Protest, Peaceful

As the nationwide protest against the removal of petroleum subsidy by the Federal Government entered its second day yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a peaceful march round parts of the capital to register opposition to the removal of fuel subsidy and vowed that, there would be no retreat, until the Government reverts to the N65 pump price of patrol.

At the Government, House, Port Harcourt, both unions said that the protest would continue until the government reverts to the former pump price.

The protest led by the two unions started from the Isaac Boro Park, Port Harcourt through the Azikiwe Road to the Government House, and numbered more than 4,000,the protesters carrying placards with various inscriptions some of which read; “No To Fuel Hikes, Revert to N65 or Resign Now, “World Bank IMF, Leave Us Alone”, and “Who Stole the Subsidy Funds, among others and chanted slogans urged the government to listen to the voice of the masses.

At the Government House, Port Harcourt, State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Chris Oruge told Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi that the protest was to express Rivers workers’ opposition to the removal of the subsidy.

He stressed the need for the Governor to convey the message not only to the President, but to the Governors Forum where he is also the Chairman.

On his own part, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chika Onuegbu said that the union would continue with the protest until the government reverses its decision.

Meanwhile, there was a reasonable compliance with the nationwide strike in Rivers State.

Apart from the transport unions and market associations whose members were seen going about their normal businesses, other sector, were paralised by the strike.

Worst hit were the government offices and Banks, as they remained closed as at the time filling this report.

Meanwhile the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba has commended the peaceful nature of protest in the state.

Speaking in an interview with newsmen, Mr. Abba said that the situation is a reflection of the level of maturity of the people of Rivers State.