Bauchi NLC joins national protest against economic hardship, demands tor better welfare package

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Bauchi Deputy Governor Rt Hon Auwal Jatau addresses protesting workers at Government House, Bauchi

By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

Members of the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday joined the national protest against economic hardship as directed by the National Headquarters demanding for a living welfare packages.

The agitated NLC members embarked on the peaceful protest as they trekked from the Secretariat along Railway road to the Palace of the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu from where they proceeded to the Government House.

They went through the Gwabba-Nassarawa street and linked the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) roundabout to Yakubun Bauchi road before terminating at the Government House.

At the Emir’s Palace, though the NLC Chairman, Comrade Dauda M Shuaibu said that a letter was delivered to the Palace last week, neither the Emir nor any member of the Emirate Council came out to receive them.

The NLC Chairman expressed surprise at what happened but said that it will not deter them from proceeding with the peaceful protest.

According to him, “We will wait to hear from the Palace anytime before tomorrow in order to know if we are coming back to the Palace or not.”

At the Government House, the protesters were received by the State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir who assured them that he will forward their demands to the appropriate authorities at the top.

The Governor was represented by his Deputy, Rt Hon Auwal Jatau received the protesters at the gate of the Government House commending them for the peaceful conduct of the protest in the state and noted that the state government is steadfast in its commitment to alleviating the plight and suffering of its people.

Speaking further, he noted that the present administration in Bauchi shares the concerns expressed by the organized labor at this difficult period of hardship.

The Deputy Governor pointed out that Governor Bala Mohammed led administration recognizes the immense responsibility entrusted to him by the people of Bauchi, hence to be committed to improving the lives of every citizen in the state.

According to him, “I am here on behalf of my principal, His Excellency, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State to receive you on your nationwide protest. Your peaceful protest resonates with the concerns of every Nigerian facing the hardships and challenges that have burdened our people. Your voices raise awareness of the struggles, the pain, and the need for immediate action.”

He added that, “I extend our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to each and every one of you for your peaceful approach in expressing your grievances. Your discipline and respect for the rule of law demonstrate a commendable commitment to democracy and civic duty. It is through dialogue that we find solace, understanding, and solutions to the obstacles that lie before us.”

He said Governor Bala Mohammed’s government is determined to fostering an environment of inclusiveness and collaboration where all stakeholders, including organized labor, are given a platform to contribute their quota, opinions, suggestions, and expertise and implored the organized labor, to continue engaging constructively with the government as their inputs are vital in shaping policies that will better the lives of people.

The Deputy Governor therefore recalled that immediately after the removal of fuel subsidy, the state government distributed bags of rice to the people of the state to cushion the effect and assured that the government would work assiduously to address the economic challenges faced by the citizens.

Earlier, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Dauda Shuaibu said the visit is to convey the workers and citizens’ displeasure on the increased hardship and insecurity in the land for onward transmission to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and called for immediate action to alleviate the suffering and general insecurity in the country.

He said that, “It is important to note, that the atmosphere in the country is highly charged, citizens are groaning under intense hardship and pressure, many could not afford to feed their families more than once a day.”

The NLC Chairman added that, “We feel that, it is not justifiable to continue to go in this direction without searching for immediate solution, democracy is all about the people.”

He stressed that, “The needs and plight of citizens must be attended to, once they voiced out, it is the only way to ensure the sustenance of the system and uphold the tenets of our democracy.”

According to him, “The N30,000 National Minimum Wage is now ridiculous, as it could not purchase half a bag of Maize or Rice talk-less of other necessities of life or family needs.”

The protesters were accompanied by combined security personnel comprising Police, NSCDC and DSS as well as other uniformed personnel.