Workers protest failed NLC housing scheme, demand refund

DISAPPOINTED over inability of the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to deliver houses to them, the President, Comrade Abdul Waheed Omar, was ambushed by angry workers last week in Abuja.

   The incident occurred at the political debate organized by the congress ahead of the delegates meeting coming up today, where elections for new executive members would be discussed.

 As Omar approached the entrance of the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, the venue of the event, the subscribers carrying placards demanded their refund, ranging from about N433, 000 to N1.7million, which was the 10per cent of deposit requirement for different categories of house types.

  However, NLC president had to hurriedly leave the premises to forestall any unpleasant development as the noise and restiveness from angry crowd continued. 

 Speaking on the behalf of the protesters, Mr. David. Oluwole accused the Congress of deceit, its leadership of owing subscribers over N4 billion from 3,800 subscribers.

  His words: “It is disgusting and shocking that the NLC that is supposed to be on the side of Nigerian workers has dragged its own name into the mud, they promised affordable housing, it was over-subscribed because the NLC was involved.”

  Oluwole added that many of the subscribers borrowed money from the banks and from cooperative societies to be able to make the 10 per cent deposits, which was required for the scheme.

  “They promised us the keys by December 2014. We did not see any land or houses. If you enter a partnership and you fail, and the other party is asking for refund, not even with interest, and NLC keeps saying this money is intact, whom are they saving it for?” He said.

  The Subscribers’ spokesperson demanded a commitment ahead of the delegate conference of the NLC starting today, where Omar would step down as NLC president following the completion of two tenures (from 2007 to 2015).

  Pleading on behalf of the congress, a Vice President of Congress, Issa Aremu, who pleaded with the aggrieved depositors, assured that they would get their money back.

   “An injury to one is an injury to all. If this has happened to you, the NLC should be the one to lead the protest. I am aware of this problem, I feel so disgusted and disgraced. I am pained that this is happening in the name of the NLC. Your fight is legitimate, if we are guilty or privy to denying you your money, we would not be here, so the burden is on us to get the money back. Before our delegate conference, there must be firm commitment on this money. I am on tape and on honour, so I assure you that if they do not get the money, I will join you to lead the protest,” Aremu assured.