Following the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) decision to suspend the planned protest against the fuel subsidy removal, reactions from Nigerians on Twitter have been pouring in, reflecting a mix of disappointment, skepticism, and concerns about the resolution’s lack of concrete guarantees.
Many Twitter users expressed disappointment in the labor leaders’ acceptance of a “mere promise” from the government without a written and signed agreement. They raised concerns that such an approach might lead to a future revolution within the NLC.
Another common sentiment shared on Twitter was doubt regarding the outcome of the closed-door meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Twitter users questioned whether the labor leaders would call for further protests if the promised resolutions were not achieved, thus raising doubts about the effectiveness of the engagement and its impact on workers’ lives.
In addition, allegations of compromise emerged, with several Twitter users suggesting that the suspension of the protest was influenced by under-the-table deals or financial inducements. Such allegations raise concerns about the integrity and independence of the labor movement.
Some Twitter users also observed a familiar pattern in how protests are handled. They described a recurring script involving mobilizing for protests, holding closed-door meetings with authorities, issuing press statements calling for calm, and then repeating the cycle when needed. This observation raised skepticism about the effectiveness of protests in bringing about genuine change.
Familiar script: 1. Mobilise for protest 2. Feign protest 3. Receive invitation for closed door meeting 4. Issue press statement calling for calm on grounds that Presidency will effect the demands the occasioned the protest 5. Wait till when next there is need to repeat script.
The urgency of restoring the subsidy was again highlighted on Twitter, with users expressing concerns about the immediate impact on Nigerians. Some suggested that President Tinubu should consider returning the subsidy pending the restoration of the refinery, emphasizing the need to address the current economic hardships faced by citizens.
Moreover, the suspension of the protest raised concerns about the potential human cost. Twitter users questioned the fate of those who might suffer from job losses or lack of income to cope with the current economic hardships before the promised refinery restoration in December.
As Nigerians continue to share their thoughts and concerns on social media, it becomes evident that the suspension of the NLC protest has ignited a strong response among citizens.
The government and labor leaders must now take these sentiments seriously and address the legitimate concerns raised by the people.
Open dialogue, transparency, and genuine commitment are crucial to finding sustainable solutions that benefit the working people and the nation as a whole. Only through collective efforts can a better and economically buoyant Nigeria be achieved.
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