NLC, JAF protest shut down schools, banks in Osun

The protesters mounted a roadblock at the Olaiya roundabout which is the major entry route into the town, also sat on the floor making it impossible for motorists to drive in and out of the state capital

Protesters on the street in Osogbo, Osun State

Residents in Osogbo, the Osun State capital woke up to traffic gridlock and lull in commercial activities as members of the Nigerian Labour Congress and civil society groups under the  Joint Action Front (JAF) took to the streets.

Chanting solidarity songs, they protested the increase in the price of petrol in compliance with the directive of the NLC.

The protesters who mounted a roadblock at the Olaiya roundabout which is the major entry route into the town, also sat on the floor making it impossible for motorists to drive in and out of the state capital.

Back at the state secretariat in Abeere, some labour leaders were on standby preventing workers from gaining entrance into the premises.

Banks ‎and other government parastatals were shut, students of public schools were sent back home, while shops and market places in the town were half open for business activities.

While speaking with journalists during the protest, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, said that the strike would go on as long as the government refuses to yield to their demands.

He noted that as far as they were concerned in Osun State, the strike has been successful.

The Chairman of ASUU in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Dr. Caleb Aborisade, said, “Throughout Nigeria, we held a special congress yesterday and we have all resolved that this strike is indefinite and is total.

“We have resolved to pursue it until Federal Government listens to our voice. If they refuse to listen, we will not surrender too.”