By DAVID ADEOYE

Scores of federal workers in Oyo state on Monday staged a peaceful protest at the Federal Secretariat, Ikolaba, Ibadan, to demand urgent government action on economic hardship, outstanding welfare packages and insecurity.

The protest was part of a nationwide action following an emergency virtual meeting of the forum.

The workers, under the aegis of the Federal Workers Forum (FWF), carried placards and marched within the secretariat premises.

Speaking with newsmen during the protest, the Forum’s National Coordinator, Mr Andrew Emelieze, decried the rising cost of living.

Emelieze alleged that the Federal government had not fully implemented the N70,000 national minimum wage.

He said the two-month wage award balance, 40 per cent peculiar allowance and promotion arrears were still unpaid.

According to him, inflation has overtaken the current minimum wage, making an immediate review necessary.

He said that federal workers were demanding a cost-of-living allowance or the resumption of wage award payments to cushion the impact of rising prices.

The coordinator equally expressed concern over worsening insecurity, citing persistent killings, kidnappings and the continued captivity of children abducted in Oyo and other states.

“Other demands include the removal of tariffs on essential goods and services, free education for the children of federal workers in federal institutions, a functional car loan scheme and a special family support allowance,” Emelieze said.

He also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to declare a two-day nationwide strike over economic hardship and insecurity.

The forum’s coordinator said that at its meeting it was agreed that all federal workers should wear black every Monday as a symbol of protest until their demands are met. (NAN)

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