The NLC – a movement out of sync

While reading for my first degree in Political Science at the prestigious University of Ibadan we were told that Labour Unions were not veritable partners in the struggle for independence because all they were mostly interested in was their wages. Once they achieved wage increment they were satisfied and the struggle was over.

Apart from the Frank Kokori era when he led a strong union of petroleum workers in support of the June 12 movement. Kokori led an out of character push that succeeded in leading the country to a standstill as we attempted to reclaim our mandate scuttle by our military overlords.

Ever since Labour has gone back to what they know best agitating for minimum wage and non removal of petroleum subsidy citing the welfare of workers as the basis for their continued archaic and very shallow stance.

As I write, I am listening to news report saying that the NLC have vowed to resist the removal of petroleum subsidy, citing their oft claimed position that it is inimical to the welfare of their members and that as an oil producing nation we reserve the right to buy fuel cheaper.

These people have been sleeping in their caves and as such have not been conversant with what has been happening globally and locally regarding the politics of oil. All they are concerned with is the imperative that the minimum wage be paid, how that is done is not their business.

The fact that oil has dropped from a plus $100 and is headed to a sub $30 position thereby leading to a great reduction in Government revenues and the inability of state governments to meet up even the minimum wages they have been shouting. So the withdrawal of subsidy is a realistic policy that we should encouraged the government to pursue because it will free up funds that would be redirected at other areas of the economy.

This is the best government to implement the policy since they have tied to their necks the heavy moral burden of claiming to be peopled with officials of high integrity. Trillions will be saved and the pressure on the dollar will most likely lessen as I am sure with the deregulation, consumption will drop as a result of the free flowing pricing of the products will curb consumption or at best lead to the regulation of consumption by both families and corporates.

The NLC were busy looking for starch for their dour khaki uniforms when the subsidy claims where being corrupted by our oil barons, the explosive revelations in the dying days of the Jonathan regime showing how the policy was abided making some Nigerians billionnaires in petrol dollars while the so called masses still bought the product at unsubsidized rates.

My thinking is that these set of people be ignored, the policy should be reversed and let them do what they know how best to do, go on strike. Truth is that what percentage of the population do they really represent. I do not really think that they are in any position to hold us to ransom anymore.

I am in full support of the removal of the petroleum subsidy just as any other right thinking person should be. The facts, the situation and global movements all support this position at this time.

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