Afrigather Sa’advert Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and president-general of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has appealed to labour unions to shelve the nationwide strike slated to begin on Tuesday, October 3.
The unions have mounted the date to embark on an indefinite strike following the Federal Authorities’s incapability to place measures in place to mitigate the devastating results of the petrol subsidy elimination on the residents.
Abubakar, at a public lecture to mark the nation’s 63rd independence anniversary on Friday in Abuja, urged them to sheath their swords “within the curiosity of the lots”.
He emphasised the necessity for dialogue to seek out options to the problems “as an alternative of embarking on a strike”.
Learn additionally: NLC threatens shutdown if petrol price increases
“I’m an advocate of dialogue as a result of strikes don’t clear up issues; they make them worse. Our leaders should tighten their belt, the frequent man is struggling.
“I don’t suppose this authorities will simply resolve to make life unhealthy for the folks; as leaders and elders, we are going to at all times name on stakeholders to not embark on journeys that can make life worse for the frequent man.
“I don’t suppose authorities can take it upon itself to make life insufferable for the frequent man, let’s give them an opportunity and see what they will do,” he mentioned.
Learn additionally: NEC appeals to NLC to shelve strike
In accordance with him, the strike will add extra issues to the present financial state of affairs.
“If persons are on strike, there wouldn’t be electrical energy, water, hospital and transportation system.
“Please, let’s attain out to our brothers and sisters who’re clamouring to go on strike. They need to have a rethink,” Sultan appealed.
On his half, Barau Jibrin, the deputy Senate president, who represented President Bola Tinubu, additionally appealed to the unions to offer the federal government extra time to handle the problems.
Tinubu introduced that the Federal Authorities is decided to handle the socio-economic challenges dealing with Nigeria.
“I need to emphasise as effectively that this authorities is new and the federal government is doing all inside its powers to ensure it brings succour to the whole folks of this nation.
“The federal government has already gone forward to supply N500 billion to states to cushion the consequences of subsidy elimination.
Learn additionally: NLC, TUC declare indefinite strike starting Oct 3
The president urged members of the unions to think about dialogue as one of the simplest ways to resolve the problems.
“The sultan additionally talked in regards to the problem of strike by the NLC. Please, on behalf of the President and the whole authorities, this isn’t the time for a strike. It’s too early.
“Please let’s dialogue, let’s get collectively, let’s perceive ourselves and allow us to take a look at the prevailing state of affairs within the nation,” he mentioned. NAN
