Moses Ngele, the
traditional ruler of Ishiagu in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Moses Ngele has yesterday appealed to organised labour to shelve its planned strike over the hike in the pump price of petrol. Ngele, who made the appeal in an interview with journalists in Ishiagu, said embarking on the strike would compound the hardship of ordinary Nigerians.
He urged the NLC and its TUC counterpart to avail themselves of the opportunity in the on-going negotiation with government to resolve all areas of disagreement.
“I appeal to organised labour, including NLC, TUC and their affiliate unions to rethink their decision and shelve the proposed industrial action in the interest of the nation. “Any strike action as result of the increment will be counterproductive and will further hurt the economy and the ordinary citizens.
“I urge labour to engage the government in meaningful discussion on ways to provide palliatives to the suffering masses of the country, especially the working class.
“ Strike action is not and can never be the solution to the current impasse and hence labour should come up with the best solution to address the issue and not worsen it,” Ngele said.
He expressed the hope that with support from Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari would tackle the country’s challenges.
“I think what we need as a people is to give this administration some time and be patient with Mr. President in his bold attempt to revamp and revitalise the economy as well as restore the country to its former glory.
“ I appeal for sacrifice, prayer and support from every citizen to make project Nigeria to work,” he said.
Ngele, however, appealed to government to plough the savings made into critical sectors of the economy.