Percy Onyeka
After just nine months in power, President Bola Tinubu expressed disapproval of the demonstration organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) yesterday, stating that it was premature to assess his administration.
In response to the Federal Government’s inability to carry out the agreements reached on October 2, 2023, following the withdrawal of fuel subsidies, the National Labor Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a 14-day nationwide strike notice on February 8.
“It is unacceptable to call for strike in just nine months of an administration,” Tinubu responded to the NLC, suggesting that it should wait to contest until the general elections of 2027.
Speaking during the Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) opening at the Ikeja Train Station was Tinubu.
The President, who arrived at the venue, Ikeja Train Station, at exactly 12.10 pm for the official flag-off, later witnessed the signing of the contract for phase two of the LMRT Redline project between the state government and the contractor.
Notable Nigerians present include Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Hope Uzodinma (Imo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), and Babagana Zulum (Borno) were in attendance. Also present were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali; former Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; the lawmaker representing Lagos West Senatorial District, Senator Oluranti Adebule and Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu.
Speaking during the commissioning, President Tinubu vowed to tackle corruption insisting that it is a menace that must be exterminated
His words: “Corruption is fighting back. The fight against corruption is on, we will not look back, we will fight it to ruins.
“I speak to Nigerians through this podium that change is possible and change we must achieve, progress we must achieve.
“We cannot afford to relax the burgeoning population, we must plan and prepare for it, and we must be committed to greatness.
“Let me commend the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu for the giant strides. He was part of the vision, some 20 years ago, I sent them around as their governor and leader to look at the system in other parts of the countries and they worked hard.
“I am delighted that as we inaugurate the first phase of the Redline we cannot afford to rest on our oars, more work still needs to be done at the National and sub-national level, no room for complacency, I look forward to the completion of the other phases.
“I perceive massive economic opportunities coming out of this. I am assured that Nigeria will be out of economic problems, we just need to persevere, work hard and be assured.
“History of Lagos will remember all of us and will be kind to us. It’s not a crime to dream and dream big, just stay focused. The momentum of greatness that we started has become unstoppable. It is a constant reminder that positive change and progress are possible, and we must attain it. We must adhere to our pledge through perseverance and consistency.
“When you put people at the centre of your vision and planning, you will see the value. I look forward to the completion of other phases.”
On the NLC protests, Tinubu said: “Calling for a strike in just nine months of an administration is unacceptable. NLC is not the voice in Nigeria. It should wait till 2027 if it is interested in joining the electoral process reforming the transportation sector in Lagos State.”
Techrectory with Agency Report
