Heavy Security in Kano as Workers Protest Hunger, High Cost of Living

There were Hundreds of armed policemen at the Kano race course ground as hundreds members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) protest marched to the Government House over hunger and high cost of living in the country.

Delivering an address at the Government House, the Chairman of the Kano chapter of the NLC, Kabiru Inuwa, handed over a letter to be delivered to President Bola Ahmad Tinubu through the Kano state Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

Some of the demands put forward by the NLC include “An Immediate tax holiday to all workers earning from N100,000 per month and below including a reduction in PAYE for all workers earning below N500,000/Month.

“Direct the purchase and the use of Made in Nigeria goods and Services to stimulate local production and save jobs.

“Immediate reduction in the cost of Governance in Nigeria at – all levels reflects the nation’s tight fiscal position.

The protesters urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to “Halt immediately the implementation of all IMF and World Bank Policies in Nigeria. They have not only not worked anywhere but have brought extreme hardship which imperils our nation’s security and undermines our sovereignty.

“Speedy conclusion of the National Minimum Wage Negotiation Exercise ensuring that it approximates a Living Wage.

“Your Excellency, some of the foregoing proposals and recommendations are actually part of previously agreed Collective Bargaining Agreements between Organized Labour and Government at various times.

“We believe that diligent implementation of these proposals in consultation with ‘social partners via the various processes of Social Dialogue will go a long way in recovering our economy from the precipice and repositioning Nigeria as a productive economy with capabilities for decent jobs creation, inclusive growth and the rule of law.

“Mr. President, the current economic hardships facing our nation require bold and decisive action. As the leader of our great country, we urge you to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take immediate steps to alleviate their suffering” the NLC leaders stated among others.

Receiving the union leaders, the Head of Service, Abdullahi Musa, said,: “We have received your letter and the governor handed over the letter to Mr. President and something will be done to attend to your request.”

Musa commended the peaceful conduct of the protest and also lauded the security agencies for maintaining law and order throughout the protest.

Meanwhile, the Kano State Commissioner of Police Mohammed Husseini Gumel,has commended the state branch of the Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) for the peaceful conduct of its protests against the current economic hardships in the country.

Gumel made the commendation in an interview he granted to newsmen shortly after the protests in Kano.

According to him, “the exercise was seemless as the Activists conducted themselves with orderliness and respect for all government officials led by the Head of Service.”

The commissioner said the police,other law enforcement officers, civil citizens, and the general public were all appreciative of the peaceful conduct of the protests.

CP Gumel has commended the effort of the Kano State Police Command and also, lauded the “symbiotic manner” in which the event was conducted.

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano

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