Current Scarcity Erodes Gains of Reduced Fuel Price

March 3, 2015 – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has said it is shocked by the return of fuel scarcity and unbearable queues in petrol stations, noting that the development has eroded gains recorded by recent reduction in the pump price of petrol.

“ This is one unpleasant development that has cut short the joy we had when the price of Premium Motor Spirit otherwise known as fuel was reduced by the Federal Government in January, 2015”, the TUC said in in a statement signed by President and Secretary, Comrades Bobboi Kaigama and Musa Lawal respectively.`

While condemning the trend, the TUC said the leadership and stakeholders are not rising up to face the challenge frontally but that they are busy casting aspersions and playing the blame game again.

“The congress finds it very difficult to describe things happening on the eve of the 2015 general elections. It has indeed become an onerous task to explain because instead of politicians addressing issues and how they intend to help the economy to do better they are busy dwelling on personalities.

“Sometimes we wonder if our politicians are bothered by the current price of crude in the international market as against what it was sold for few months ago! Could it be that politicians have forgotten that oil is the mainstay of the economy for now? Are they yet aware but choose to further bring the economy to its knees? Where do we place it that a product that was sold for N87 now sells for between N110 and N120 depending on the part of the country you are buying?”, the TUC said.

The TUC charge all Nigerians irrespective of political inclinations to rise to the challenge and ensure that the country does not retrogress any further.

The TUC said what is needed at the moment is to proffer solution to issues agitating the country and not unbridled complaints and blackmail in the print and electronic media.

“We urge you to sheath your swords, go about your campaign with utmost decency, sell yourself by telling Nigerians what you intend to do for them. If they are satisfied they will vote for you. This is the most modest and laudable way elections are conducted in saner climes”, the TUC said.