Panic has gripped owners of small business in Taraba State following the decision of the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, to join the proposed nationwide industrial action.
The industrial action which is slated to commence on Tuesday, is geared at pressing home the demands of Nigerian workers spread across the country.
Speaking with Newspot on Sunday, some small business owners expressed concerns over the planned strike, which they believe would temporarily force them out of business due to power outages.
They urged the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency ensure that the strike is called off.
A vulcanizer who gave his name as Usman Ali, noted that it is the grass that always suffers whenever two elephants fight.
According to him, the masses are always the ones at the receiving end during strikes.
He expressed fears that it the strike goes ahead, “it will force some of us to spend our little savings in purchasing fuel to run our businesses”.
A handset repairer, Jamilu Sunday, said the only option that would be available for him if labour goes ahead with the planned strike is to close down his shop.
“I cannot afford to use petrol in running this small business, so my plan is to close down my shop as soon as I observe that those responsible for power have also joined the strike,” he said.
The leadership of the NUEE had earlier in a statement, directed all its members spread across the country to cooperate with the leaders of the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, to shutdown the nation from Tuesday, 3rd October, 2023.
The statement which was signed by the acting Secretary General, Dominic Igwebike, directed members to “totally withdraw our services and participate in the street protests and rallies until the government responded to our demands”.
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