The Senate on Monday directed its leadership to mediate between the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to avert the impending nationwide strike action called by the labour union.
The NLC had given the Federal Government an ultimatum to rescind the fuel subsidy removal or face a nationwide strike beginning from Wednesday.
The Labour body is mobilising its affiliate unions to ensure that the industrial action is successful and total.
The resolution of the Senate followed a motion titled: “Urgent need to avert impending nationwide strike being called by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the removal of fuel subsidy” sponsored by Senator Sulaiman Kawu (NNPP – Kano South).
Kawu, in his lead debate, insisted the strike would have a devastating effect on the nation’s economy if allowed to hold.
Senators Isah Jibrin, Seriake Dickson and Solomon Adeola supported the motion.
They called on the NLC to shelve the proposed strike and allow the palliatives being planned by the Federal Government to ameliorate the suffering of the people.
Dickson said,
“We must commend the President for having the courage to remove the fuel subsidy.
“The economic situation as a result of the removal has brought untold hardship on the people.
“Therefore the need for more palliatives other than the N500 billion already unveiled by the Federal Government.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio called on Local and State Governments to work to ameliorate the suffering of the people.