The President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, has said that other interests have hijacked the labour-organised protests over the removal of subsidy on petrol by the government.
The President, in a broadcast in which he announced a reduction of the pump price of petrol from N141 to N97, said that “it has become clear to government and all well-meaning Nigerians that other interests beyond the implementation of the deregulation policy have hijacked the protest. This has prevented an objective assessment and consideration of all the contending issues for which dialogue was initiated by government. These same interests seek to promote discord, anarchy, and insecurity to the detriment of public peace.”
The address, which is the second in about two weeks on the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector, also urged labour to return to work.
The President said the protest has led to the disruption of economic activities, urging workers to return to work.
He added, “My dear compatriots, I urge you to show understanding for the imperatives of the adjustment in the pump price of petrol and give government your full support to ensure its successful implementation. I further appeal to Nigerians to go back to work and go about their normal duties as government has made adequate arrangements for the protection of life and property throughout the federation.
“Government will not condone brazen acts of criminality and subversion. As President, I have sworn to uphold the unity, peace and order of the Nigerian State and by the grace of God, I intend to fully and effectively discharge that responsibility. Let me add that we are desirous of further engagements with Labour. I urge our Labour leaders to call off their strike, and go back to work.”
The full speech is already on this news site.
The official reaction of labour is being expected.
But it was learnt that labour has decided to go ahead with the strike but this time without street protests.
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