The Organised Labour has called on the federal government to immediately instruct the NNPCL to withdraw the vexatious Pricing template to allow free flow of discussions by the parties, adding that Nigerians would not accept manipulations of any kind from any of the parties, especially from the representatives of the Government.
Labour says the release of the pricing Template may not allow for unhindered dialogue if nothing is done to withdraw it.
In a statement signed by Nigeria Labour Congress President, Joe Ajaero, Labour says It is clear that Government is actually trying to scuttle the dialogue process because as it stands, the federal government has become fixated on their chosen course of action.
The Organised Labour is strongly expressing worry that the Government through the NNPCL, despite the ongoing meeting of Stakeholders in the oil and Gas sector to manage the unilateral but unfortunate announcement by the President to withdraw subsidy on petroleum products, went ahead Wednesday morning to announce a new regime of prices under a new pricing template.
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Labour insists the action is an ambush and runs against the spirit and principles of Social Dialogue which remains the best platform available for the resolution of all the issues arising out of the petroleum Down-stream sector.
Labour states that Government cannot in one breathe be talking about deregulation and at the same time fixing the prices of Petroleum products, Arguing that the action negates the spirit of allowing the operation of the free market unless the government has as usual usurped, captured or become Market forces.
Labour therefore says it is unacceptable and seriously condemns the new price regime.
It reminds government that good faith negotiation is key to reaching an agreement.
Labour says What the government has done is like holding a gun to the head of the Nigerian people and bringing undue pressure on the leaders thus undermining the dialogue.it scheduled
Editor: Paul Akhagbemhe
