Oluwo urges NLC, TUC not to ruin Nigeria’s economy with strikes

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdurosheed Akanbi, has appealed to the organised labour in the country, especially the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, not to cripple the country’s economy by resorting to strikes.

The monarch also urged the labour unions to trust President Bola Tinubu to fix the nation’s economy instead of going on strike action frequently.

Speaking at the 2023 God’s Festival held at his palace in Iwo, Osun State, he emphasised the need for all stakeholders in the country to support the President’s determination to restore Nigeria’s economy to the path of prosperity.

According to him, the monarch, NLC, and TUC should be patient so that we can have a clear vision to move the country forward. We are in touch with the president because we are close to our people.

“The organised labour needs to keep the president alert; they need to remind him of his duties. They should not just paralyse the economy with strikes. Labour unions should hold the government responsible rather than acting like an adversary. They should make the government listen to the cries of Nigerians.

“If this government does something wrong, I will be the first person to condemn the president or any governor; nobody can depose me. You can see that I am celebrating God, who is unchangeable.

“I have faith, and I believe that this current government of Bola Tinubu has good intentions for Nigeria. He has taken a bold step. Many have led the country and lacked the courage to do what he did by removing the fuel subsidy. This is just a temporary difficulty; subsidy is not for the poor. No country in the world subsidises fuel; what should be subsidised is housing and transportation,”, he added.

Also speaking, the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamonsi, said, “If our past leaders had been removing the fuel subsidy gradually, it would not have a severe impact the way it does now. I am confident that Tinubu will improve the economy of the nation and perform beyond our expectations. We need to pray for him; it is not helpful to insult him.