Journalists Threaten Withdrawal Of Service Over Fuel Subsidy Removal

The umbrella body of journalists in the country, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) on Saturday said it would withdraw its services if the Federal Government fails to reverse its decision to stop fuel subsidy.

A statement by the union’s National Secretary, Shuaibu Leman, made this known after an emergency Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held virtually on Saturday.

The statement said, “After presentations by the national president, Chris Isiguzo, and the national treasurer Bamidele Atunbi on the position taken by the NLC on the matter, members unanimously adopted the position of the NLC on the issue.

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“CWC reiterates the argument that although the removal of fuel subsidy will free allocations which can be channeled to the provisions of infrastructure and creation of additional jobs, the sudden removal could, however, lead to social unrests and protests as people may perceive the government as being insensitive to their plight.”

The NUJ stated that the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant effect on petrol price and inflation has seen the purchasing power of the citizenry diminish significantly.

“CWC also notes that already there is an astronomical increase in the prices of petroleum products and high inflation which have drastically reduced the purchasing power of citizens.

“Accordingly, CWC directs all State Councils of the Union to mobilise members to withdraw their services and commence protests nationwide from Wednesday next week, 7th June, 2023, if the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNCPL) refuses to reverse the new price regime in the oil sector,” the statement added.