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Labour tells Nigerians to prepare for mass actions against fuel hike
JAF recalls that in the run down to the 2015 general election, when the Buhari-APC appealed to the Nigerian people, with its alleged change-mantra, we cautioned that: “Irrespective of the party that wins the presidential election, the crisis in the economy is bound to continue because the economic agenda of the two major parties (PDP and APC) remains dependent on oil and capitalist policies of privatisation and deregulation. These policies are operated and championed by servants of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), whose main business is to steal our national wealth for the use of the exploiters in Europe, United States of America, Japan, Asia, etc. These agents cannot defend the working people, the poor and the oppressed anywhere”.
NIGERIANS SHOULD PREPARE FOR MASS ACTIONS to:
– TO RESIST THE WICKED & ANTI-POOR INCREASE FUEL PRICE!
– REJECT IMF/WORLD BANK POLICIES OF PRIVATISATION & DEREGULATION!!
SYSTEM CHANGE THROUGH SOCIALISM IS OUR GOAL!!!
1. The Joint Action Front (JAF), the pro-Labour civil society partner of Labour (NLC & TUC) hereby calls on the Nigerian working people, the oppressed poor, students, traders, professionals, women, unemployed youth, farmers, artisans, Muslims, Christians and faith based organisations to prepare to use MASS ACTIONS to REJECT, RESIST and DEFEAT the latest imposition of hardship, punishment and miserable existence on their lives by the deceptive and anti-poor people Buhari regime with its wicked increase in fuel price from N86.50 to N145 on May 11, 2016.
2. JAF rejects this wicked increase which is a product of the capitalist neoliberal policies of Deregulation. A policy of deregulation, in essence and always a punishment to the working people and the poor, whose lives have been made miserable by recent hike in electricity tariffs, arrears of unpaid salaries, lack of social security and welfare, commercialisation of education and healthcare, poor living conditions, job losses and unemployment, etc. Deregulation, just like privatisation, is dictated by greed, profit–seeking and looting of the few rich cabals at the expense of increasing the sufferings of the poor masses and working people.
3. JAF recalls that in the run down to the 2015 general election, when the Buhari-APC appealed to the Nigerian people, with its alleged change-mantra, we cautioned that: “Irrespective of the party that wins the presidential election, the crisis in the economy is bound to continue because the economic agenda of the two major parties (PDP and APC) remains dependent on oil and capitalist policies of privatisation and deregulation. These policies are operated and championed by servants of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), whose main business is to steal our national wealth for the use of the exploiters in Europe, United States of America, Japan, Asia, etc. These agents cannot defend the working people, the poor and the oppressed anywhere”.
4. Equally, JAF stated then, and we are further resolved that: “the Change we want will UNITE the vast majority of our people under a government that will organise the working people and oppressed poor to boost our productive capacities and will use the resources for sustainable economic and social advancement; thereby reversing our economic dependency and restoring our dignity as an independent country. The Government of the working people will take care of all Nigerians no matter where they come from, their religion, where they live, and their sex. It will care for all Nigerians dehumanised by the rule of the oppressors”.
5. As we engage our labour partners, with effect from the day of the imposition of the wicked increase on harmonising views for a joint programme of resistance to the new fuel price, JAF is resolved to undertake independent course of actions that should ensure, not only reversal of the fuel price from N145 to N86.50; but to struggle to Defeat all the capitalist policies of austerity measures targeted at the poor and the working people. In addition, JAF is resolved on a long-drawn struggle in alliance with the working people and the poor for political power and to urge Nigerians to raise the alternative banner of SOCIALISM for REAL CHANGE.
6. We urge our affiliates and allies to hold MASS MEETINGS and sensitisation rallies, preparatory to the declaration of a Programme of Action soonest. To this effect, the JAF Oyo State kick-started today a protest march from the University of Ibadan gate through Bodija to mobilise the people in Oyo State for the impending nationwide action.
7. JAF therefore urges Nigerians to REJECT, STRUGGLE & DEMAND the followings:
7.1 Immediate and unconditional reversal of the hike in fuel price from the N145 to the N86.50.
7.2 That Government has a responsibility to make the 4 Refineries to work and build newrefineries in order to ensure that availability of petroleum products (petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel, etc) at cheaper and affordable prices to all.
7.3 Total Reversal of the capitalist policies of Privatisation and Deregulation, which have been responsible for improper functioning of the local refineries, looting by government officials and fuel marketers through fuel importation and subsidies; and the collapse and fraudulent hand over to private profiteers of public enterprises, such as PHCN, NITEL, Nigeria Airways, Nigerian Ports Authority, Ajaokuta Steel, Osogbo Steel Rolling Mill, Itakpe Iron and Ore, Tafawa Balewa Square, National Arts Theatre, Trade Fair Complex, ALSCON, Nigerian Newsprint Manufacturing Company (NNMC), Daily Times, etc.
7.4 INSIST that Government, should in obedience to Section 16 of the 1999 Constitution on Economic Objectives, respects the provisions that state that:
· Section 16 (1) (b) – “control of the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximumwelfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen …”
· Section 16 (1) (c) – manage and operate major sectors of the economy.
· Section 16 (2) – the State shall direct its policy towards ensuring that: [Section 16 (2) (c)] –the economic system is not operated in such manner as to permit the concentration of wealth; or means of production; and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group.
7.5 Massive Public investments in industrialization and infrastructure (energy, rail, road, and mass housing) to enhance millions of employment opportunities and wealth creation.
7.6 INSIST that public investments in the energy sector (fuel and electricity) and other public sectors can be efficient if they are under the democratic control and management of committees of workers, consumers and representatives of the government; who would ensure that they are not opened to looting and collapse as was evident in the previous regimes of Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan.
7.7 Provision of a National Minimum Living Wage as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution,adequate funding of public education and healthcare, and respect for collective agreements reached with Labour unions.
7.8 Struggle to END the unjust system of capitalism and its failed policies and to bring forth anew POLITICAL and ECONOMIC ORDER under the JUST SYSTEM of SOCIALISM that will end the era of Privatisation, Deregulation, looting and exploitation by the corrupt capitalist ruling cabalsin order to ensure that the wealth of the country is judiciously used to benefit the majority working population (formal and informal sectors) and the oppressed poor.
PREPARE & JOIN OTHERS TO ORGANISE & PREPARE FOR MASS ACTION NOW!
DARE TO STRUGGLE, DARE TO WIN!
DR. DIPO FASHINA Comrade ABIODUN AREMU
JAF Chairperson JAF Secretary
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