Group backs protest over fuel price, electricity hikes

The International Solidarity for Peace and Human Rights Initiative (ISPHRI) yesterday expressed support for the planned September 23 mass protest by civil society organisations to force the Federal Government to reverse increase in petrol pump price and electricity tariff.

Declaring their support in a statement by its President, Comrade Osmond Ugwu, and Secretary, Dr Jerry Chukwuokolo, the group stated that the ultimatum given to the Federal Government to reverse itself was welcome.

The statement said: “Consequent upon this manifest readiness by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to champion this struggle for national liberation at this point of history of Nigeria, we call on Nigeria Labour Congress and all its affiliates, all the civil society organisations, market associations and others to come out en mass and join the protest.”

The group asked organised labour not to enter into any negotiations on the matter with government because “such a matter should be regarded and treated as non-negotiable category”.

The ISPHRI slammed the Muhammadu Buhari government for “taken Nigerians for a ride”.

The statement added: “Most unfortunate is the recent increase in the price of petrol and electricity tariff which are the main cornerstone and live wire of the nation and the people, especially when the harsh effects of government policies are already weighing so heavily on the psyche and souls of the people.

“We wonder how the government expects the workers, families and other social groups to cope in the face of high cost of food items, medics, education, textile, house rents, books and educational, high rate of unemployment against the backdrop of uncontrollable corruption in various sectors of the government.”