Subsidy removal: Battle not yet over—CLO

BY VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA—Anambra State branch of the Civil Liberties Organisation, CLO, yesterday lamented outcome of the nationwide strike over fuel subsidy removal, saying the battle was not yet over.

In a statement by state chairman of CLO, Comrade Aloysius Attah, said though the strike had been suspended, the Federal Government must have realized that the power of Nigerian masses should not be underestimated.

The statement read: “The abrupt termination of strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress without recourse to the civil society coalition and in the absence of a clear cut direction for struggle against government insincerity in the fuel subsidy logjam is a slap on the face of Nigerians.

“While we appreciate the enormous sufferings of Nigerians while the protests and strikes lasted, we should not lose sight of the fact that the Federal Government of Nigeria led by President Good luck Jonathan is still chasing shadows without serious commitment to pull Nigeria out of its economic doldrums.

“They told us to tighten our belt while their own remains as loose as they indulge in continuous extravagance, bogus allowances and extraneous spending.

“As it is now, no one knows whether the fixing of petrol prices at N97 means partial removal of fuel subsidy or ordinary increase in the price of petrol.

“We call on all men of conscience in Nigeria, the credible civil society organisation and the Nigerian masses who bear the brunt of government’s profligacy to coalesce, form a united front and hold government accountable to the people.

“Mr. President must have learnt by now not to underestimate the power of the Nigerian masses and this is the time for us to consolidate to achieve our goals if sit’s true that power and sovereignty really belong to the people.”