The Peoples Redemption Party Vanguard has made a strong call for Nigerians to stay determined during tough times. They point to past disappointments by labour leaders as a reason for this appeal.
Furthermore, they have presented an essential challenge to both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), prompting these influential bodies to reconsider their approach should the Nigerian government, headed by President Bola Tinubu, not respond favourably to their demands.
The PRP Vanguard’s perspective on this matter is marked by a focus on strategic thinking and an emphasis on the importance of both the content and the delivery of demands. They posit that while the substance of these demands is crucial, the intensity and steadfastness with which they are pursued matter even more.
The PRP Vanguard’s concerns come in the wake of the announcement of an indefinite strike by organised labour, as conveyed in a joint statement by NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero and TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo.
This announcement outlines a nationwide shutdown scheduled to commence on October 3, 2023. However, the PRP Vanguard has reservations about the labour unions’ approach, specifically in the presentation of their demands.
“We must understand that confronting a regime that has chosen to dig its heels is confronting a regime that deserves to be defeated. Regime intransigence is a sign of fear of and contempt for the people,” asserts the PRP Vanguard.
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Their concerns extend beyond the approach to encompass the issues that they believe should be at the forefront of the labour movement’s agenda. Among these pressing concerns are the cost of living, the cost of governance, grand corruption, and the adverse impact of soaring petrol prices on the nation’s economy.
These issues are intricately interconnected, and the PRP Vanguard insists that they should take center stage during the nationwide strike.
Furthermore, the PRP Vanguard poses a fundamental question: What is the endgame if the government fails to respond positively to their demands, even after the initial three to seven days of protest? Their query resonates with the everyday struggles of Nigerians who endure significant hardship and who may find it increasingly challenging to sustain a prolonged suspension of work and commerce without a definitive resolution.
The urgency of their call stems from the intensity of the difficulties faced by Nigerians on a daily basis. This, they argue, necessitates a comprehensive and well-thought-out strategy that prioritises the welfare of the people.