NLC maintains two day warning strike, while Presidential Tribunal announces judgment tomorrow

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued its two-day warning strike to protest the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidies by the federal government. The strike, which began on Tuesday, September 5, has paralysed economic activities across the country as workers stayed away from their offices and businesses.

The NLC had declared the strike last week, after condemning the government for overlooking the widespread agony and hardship endured by Nigerians. The NLC also threatened that it would start a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days after the warning strike, if the government did not take measures to mitigate the situation.

The strike has been supported by various sectors, including the banking sector, civil society organisations, and workers’ unions. The NLC said it was fighting for the rights and welfare of Nigerians, who have been bearing the brunt of the fuel subsidy removal, which has led to an increase in the prices of fuel, transportation, food, and other essential commodities.

The strike has also coincided with the announcement of the judgement date for the petitions challenging the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election. The Court of Appeal, which serves as the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, said it would deliver its verdict on Wednesday, September 6.

The tribunal has been hearing the petitions filed by three political parties and their presidential candidates: Peter Gregory Obi and Abubakar Atiku of the Labour Party (LP), Rabiu Kwankwaso of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), and Solomon Okangbuan of the Action Alliance (AA). The petitioners have alleged that the election was marred by irregularities, fraud, and violence and that Tinubu was not qualified to contest.

The tribunal said it would allow the live transmission of its judgement on television for transparency and openness. It also said it would restrict access to its premises to only accredited individuals, including counsel and representatives of political parties.