The Citizens for Democratic Dividends in Nigeria (CDDN), has told the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, that the Federal Government did not betray Nigerians by increasing the price of fuel.
Ajaero, had accused the Federal Government of deceiving Nigerians by the astronomical hike in the increase of the petroleum product from N617 to about N897 per litre.
But CDDN Executive Director, Ahmad Musa Idris, in a statement yesterday, accused Ajaero of attempting to “exploit the genuine grievances of the people for personal gain.”
Idris contended that when Nigerians were faced with unbearable hardship and called for nationwide protests, Ajaero and the NLC turned a blind eye, adding that they refused to participate in the protests, but only prioritised the minimum wage agreement over the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
He said: “We consider their claim of betrayal as an insult to the collective intelligence of Nigerians and a blatant attempt to exploit the genuine grievances of the people for personal gain.
“CDDN recalls that NLC and Ajaero openly recently betrayed the Nigerian people when they were desperate for their salary increase without taking cognizance of the plight of millions of ordinary people.
“Ajaero’s sudden outcry, after months of inaction, is not only sad but also a testament to his disregard for the true interests of the Nigerian people.
“When Nigerians were facing unbearable hardship and called for nationwide protests, Ajaero and the NLC turned a blind eye. They refused to participate in the protests, prioritizing their minimum wage agreement over the suffering of millions of Nigerians.
“Now, faced with accusations of treason and alleged involvement in a plot to overthrow the government, Ajaero seeks to drag the NLC and the Nigerian people into his personal legal battles. This is a clear attempt to use the labour movement as a shield to escape justice.
“The CDDN categorically states that Joe Ajaero must carry his cross alone. Nigerians will not be deceived by his tactics.
“It is evident that Ajaero is not acting in the best interests of the Nigerian people but is instead using their genuine grievances as a smokescreen to protect himself from prosecution.
“The Nigeria Police’s accusation of treason against Ajaero is a serious matter that must be addressed in court, and the NLC should not be used as a pawn in this dangerous game by Ajaero whose interest and that of the downtrodden that need real salvation are in dissonance.
“We urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and not allow themselves to be manipulated by those who seek to exploit their struggles for personal gain. The CDDN will continue to stand for justice, transparency, and the true democratic dividends that every Nigerian deserves.”
