Pressure on unions to halt planned fuel price strike

The Federal Government, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Coalition of Civil Society Organisation are calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress to stop their proposed nationwide strike. According to The Nation, the government excuse for the fuel price hike was because the importers do not have access to Forex for the importation of fuel but sources for it through secondary means. The Abuja chamber of Commerce and Industry President, Mr Tony Ejinkeonye made it known yesterday that it is high time the petrol subsidy was removed. and therefore called on Labour and Nigerians to support the Federal Government. Mr Ejinkeonye noted that embarking on strike would bring more hardship on Nigerians and as such is advising against it. Also on the same note, a retired Anglican bishop, the Right. Rev. Bolanle Gbonigi, called on the unions to seek peace and give the Federal Government their maximum supports on this new policy. Rev Gbonigi who is an advocate of fuel subsidy removal said this over the weekend in Akure, Ondo state capital during books presentation written by a radio journalist, Mr Oye Agunbiade. In Rev. Gbonigi remarks, he said the removal of fuel subsidy was long overdue and Nigerians should work with the federal government for its success. He further called on the Federal Government  to sensitize the citizens on whether the policy is full or partial deregulation. He therefore called for peace and patience from all Nigerians.