The President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has urged the Federal Government to take proactive measures to curb corruption and make life better for Nigerians.
He said people found guilty of looting Nigeria’s funds should be prosecuted and their hands cut off. Wabba said this during the rally organised by the NLC and Trade Union Congress in Abuja on Thursday. He argued that amputating the hands of looters will serve as deterrent to others while also shaming them.
“We must not allow a situation where few, because of their interest will hold the system to ransom.
“Why should somebody steal one billion naira and walk the street free. We are demanding that they should be named and shamed. We are also demanding that one of their hands be cut off so that when we see them, we will know that they are people that have stolen our money.
“So, let us not be tired. Not to pay salaries and pensions is criminal. Not to increase our wages in this condition is corruption and so, we must demand good governance and support the fight against corruption.
“It is obvious that what we are doing today is in our collect interest. As working class and our families and as Nigerians, we must always make our voice know and heard very clearly.” Wabba said.
Also the workers took to the streets to protest what they described as the worsening human condition. They called on the Federal Government to formulate policies that would reduce hardships and improve the lives of workers.
In Lagos, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent embedded with the protesters reports that the placard-carrying workers marched from Yaba, to Ikorodu Road, chanting solidarity songs.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria also joined in the rally.
The Vice-President of the NLC, Mr Amaechi Asugwani, who addressed the protesters intermittently, appealed to government to bring change that would impact positively on the populace.
According to Asugwani, creating people-oriented policies will reduce the worsening poverty in the country.
He said that the rally was necessitated by the outcry of people, worried about the increasing cost of food, goods and services.
“The government should be sensitive to the plight of the people. It has not increased the salaries of workers and many companies have closed because of poor power supply,” the unionist said.
The protest attracted many activists, including maverick artist and former President of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, Charles Oputa, known popularly as Charlie Boy.
Hundreds of policemen in combat gear were also on hand to monitor proceedings.
On Feb. 6, a similar protest was staged in Lagos and other cities in the country.
In Abuja, some workers gathered at the Unity Fountain in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, to commence the march against what they call the effect of poor governance.
A few days ago, #IstandforNigeria” group held a similar march through the streets of Abuja, but were stopped by armed policemen on their way to the Presidential Villa.
Leading the Abuja rally, Co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign (BBOG), Mrs Aisha Yusuf, said the protest is meant for Nigerians to express their anger over the hardship being faced by them.
