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An elder statesman and renowned activist in the Niger Delta region, Sokari Soberekon, has advised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress not to allow themselves to be used as pawns by politicians, even as they continue to demand a reduction in the fuel price.
Soberekon made the call in an exclusive interview with South-South PUNCH, while reacting to warnings of unrest by the House of Representatives, following the inclusive meeting between the Federal Government and organized labour over the hike in fuel prices.
Sokari said, “I’m calling on the trade unions not to make themselves a tool for aggrieved politicians to confront the Federal Government, led by President Nika Ahmed Tinubu, which is trying to pay attention to the Southern region. Any confrontational action because of fuel prices is tantamount to rebellion against the government and we, the Ijaws, will not be part of it.
“You could recall when the oil price was nine and a half kobo and was increased to 15 kobo. My protest was to take my life. And President Shehu Shagari, met me and talked to me, ‘Don’t take your life, what do you want?’ And I told President Shagari, ‘I want the fuel price down. And also, give us oil derivation, which Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Ambrose Ali were fighting for.’ They went up to Supreme Court, but they lost it all; but I met Shagari with my protest of taking my life, not confronting the government and Shagari approved oil derivation for the Niger Delta oil-producing areas. The facts are there, that was 43 years ago.”
Lending his voice to the nationwide cry for a reduction in fuel prices, the former soldier urged President Tinubu to veto the reduction, even as he urged labour to remain on the path of dialogue.
He added, “I’m calling on the government to bring down the fuel price very low. I want the President to order them to reduce the price of fuel, not on a confrontational basis. President Tinubu should use his veto power to bring the fuel price down. Not for confrontational sake, but my suggestion as a patriotic Nigerian and a Niger Delta citizen that has the oil.
“Labour should suggest things as I am suggesting, to help the government. We are to contribute; we are to join hands, to build a nation, not to confront. To the best of my knowledge, politicians want to use labour, and labour must not allow themselves to be used by any disgruntled politician to set this country backwards.”
The retired soldier turned activist further called for the legalization of artisanal refinery, saying, “They should legalize artisanal refining locally called ‘Kpo-fire.’ Kpo fire is locally produced petrol, but it serves the same purpose. So, now that we have a fuel problem if Kpo fire is legalized, it will also help to bring down the fuel price.
“And the government promised artisanal refinery, they have not done it. Kpo fire is helping. They should give them licences, legalize them, and supply them with oil to produce. Otherwise, anybody who wants fuel should import fuel by himself.”
