The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), on Wednesday, held a protest in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, against the increase in petrol prices, which have been accompanied by economic hardships.
The demonstration was also held to protest the increase in fees in Federal Government-owned schools and the poor economic situation in the country.
Thousands of workers from various unions that make up the NLC and TUC participated in the protest, which began at the Okpara Square event center.
Security was tight in Umuahia during the protest, with the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force all on patrol in the city.
The military patrolled strategic areas like Market Road, Bank Road, the Government House, Aba Road, and the Government House Gate.
Mr. Ken Onwuemelie, Commissioner of Police for Abia State, visited the scene of the protest and addressed some members of the NLC to keep the protest peaceful.
Banks, government offices and some shops complied with the NLC directive as they remained locked in solidarity.
Addressing the press during the protest, the NLC Chairman in Abia, Comrade Paschal Nweke, and the Trade Union Congress Chairman, Comrade Ihechi Eneogwe who led the protest, condemned the harsh economic policies of the Federal Government, which they said is taking away the breath from Nigerian workers and artisans.
The labour leaders faulted the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government for removing the fuel subsidy without considering the plight of the workers and the entire masses.
They regretted that various dialogues they held with the government on resolving the fuel subsidy crises had not yielded any result.
The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Caleb Ajagba, who addressed the protesters in front of the Abia State Government House.
Mr. Ajagba explained that the protest was directed against the fuel subsidy removal by the Federal Government, not against the Abia State Government.
However, he commended the workers for maintaining peace during the protest and acknowledged their right to express their concerns.