Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, a media aide to the president, has publicly refuted the allegations that President Tinubu betrayed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) following a recent increase in fuel prices stating that Tinubu did not promise to maintain fuel prices during negotiations for the national minimum wage.
In response to NLC President Joe Ajaero's claims that Tinubu reneged on a commitment to keep fuel prices stable, Abdulaziz emphasized that he attended both meetings between Tinubu and labor representatives, where no such exchange was proposed.
He characterized Ajaero's statements as "dirty politics," suggesting they exploit the public's emotions amid rising tensions over economic conditions in Nigeria.
The NLC expressed its discontent with the government's decision to increase the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), describing it as a profound betrayal.
The union highlighted that a key condition for accepting the N70,000 minimum wage was the assurance that fuel prices would not rise. Ajaero condemned the government's actions, stating that the increase contradicts prior agreements and has exacerbated the hardships faced by Nigerians.
Furthermore, the NLC criticized the government's heavy-handed response to protests, including arrests and detentions of demonstrators. The union has called for an immediate reversal of the fuel price hike, the release of detained protesters, and an end to policies that contribute to widespread suffering and insecurity.
