Members of the Judiciary Staffs Union of Nigeria in Rivers State have joined the two-day warning strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to protest against the adverse consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in the cost of living in the country.
These union members have taken action by blocking the entrance to the Judiciary Complex, effectively restricting access to the premises. Their protest is a direct response to the directive issued by the national leadership of the NLC in response to the challenging economic conditions.
Wachukwu Anthony, who serves as both the state chairman of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria and the secretary of the Joint Action Committee of NLC in the state, voiced their deep concerns regarding the removal of fuel subsidies.
Anthony highlighted that this policy change has inflicted severe hardships on their members and their families. He pointed out that despite the rising cost of living, their salaries have remained stagnant, emphasizing the urgent need for government intervention.
“The removal of the fuel subsidy is having a profound and widespread impact on our lives. The economic challenges have persisted since the beginning of this administration, causing significant dissatisfaction among Nigerian workers.
While we may be employed, it feels as though we are merely going through the motions. Our salaries, which are supposed to be our ‘take-home’ pay, are woefully insufficient to cover even basic expenses, let alone enable us to travel to places like Mile 3 Park or my hometown in Emohua. It’s essential to recognize that this issue is not confined to Rivers State alone; it is a national concern affecting all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory,” he stressed.
