NLC protest, an unnecessary political stunt, says Omokri

The Nigerian Labour Congress’ march on Wednesday has been criticized by a former presidential spokesperson, Reno Omokri, as an unnecessary political gimmick.

Recall that the Nigerian Labour Union, under the leadership of Joe Ajaero, called for a national protest in response to the increased hardship being felt by the Nigerian masses as a result of the elimination of fuel subsidies.

The demonstration ultimately crippled the country’s economy on Wednesday as workers turned out en-mass to register their displeasure with the government over its failure to address the economic crisis currently bedevilling the country

Omokri criticised the labour union for continuing the protest despite pledges made by president Bola Tinubu during his Monday presidential address.

Omokri asserted that the union leader could hardly be blamed for his actions because he supported Peter Obi’s presidential campaign.

“I am just wondering if it is possible for Joe Ajaero, who openly aligned with Peter Obi, to be politically neutral and act in the national interest. This protest and nationwide strike he has called for looks like a political stunt, especially considering that the current government has agreed to increase the minimum wage and that all major presidential candidates, except Kwankwaso, agreed that they would remove fuel subsidies. Including Peter Obi, who said they would go IMMEDIATELY,” Omokri wrote.

According to Omokri, the strike was “unnecessary and very ill-timed.”

“more so when Nigeria is facing a crisis in Niger Republic that could spill over into Nigeria and destabilise our economy and political institutions,” he added.

Reiterating his support for President Bola Tinubu’s decision to end fuel subsidies, Omokri—who made it clear that he was not a fan of the government, argued that the palliative measures President Tinubu announced on Monday were extensive and should have prompted the union’s leadership to pause its strike action.