THE Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, yesterday asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stop the blame game, reverse his policies that have caused hardship to Nigerians and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.
Similarly, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, LP, in the 2023 poll, Mr. Peter Obi, said the nationwide protests, which ended on Saturday, were a call on Nigeria’s leaders to reflect deeply on the growing poverty in the country and take steps to address it.
Former National Vice Chairman, North-West, of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Salihu Lukman, spoke in the same vein, describing the nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance as sufficient grounds for impeachment of the President and some state governors.
The NLC also alleged that since President Tinubu took over the reins of power, he had engaged in harassment and intimidation of labour leaders, adding that the recent invasion of its headquarters was to provoke the labour movement.
These, among others, were contained in a communique issued at the end of the emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the NLC held at the weekend.
In the communique, by NLC President Mr. Joe Ajaero, NEC reaffirmed the Congress’ commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, saying it would not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.
Labour communique
Acoording to The Vanguard, the communique read: “The National Executive Council, NEC, of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, convened an emergency meeting on Saturday, August 10, 2024, to address the invasion of the NLC National headquarters by security apparatchik of the Federal Government.
“An invasion of the national secretariat immediately after the holding of the NEC’s emergency meeting of 7th to discuss the welfare of workers and Nigerians in the midst of the #EndbadGovernance Protest in which far reaching decisions were taken was considered deeply worrisome.
“This unprecedented action by government has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerian workers, as well as protection of trade union rights as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The NEC-in-session observed that since the current administration took office, there has been a pattern of intimidation, brutality, and deceit against the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Nigerian people.
“The government’s actions began with the President’s May 29, 2023, statement declaring the removal of subsidy, followed by efforts to suppress NLC’s opposition through threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises to alleviate the country’s hardships. It has been a trail of systematic intimidation and violence against trade unions and their leaders.
“The National Executive Council, NEC, of the NLC recalled several instances of violence, including the brutal abduction and assault of the NLC President and other leaders in Owerri, Imo State, and the failure to prosecute the perpetrators.
“The government has also used legal injunctions, military force, and police intimidation to obstruct the NLC’s constitutional activities, including peaceful protests by affiliate unions, SSANU and NASU. The NEC condemned the criminalization of dissenting views, noting that some labour leaders are still detained because of the protests.
“Additionally, NEC highlighted the recent invasion of NLC headquarters, following a biased letter from the Registrar of Trade Unions, as part of a coordinated attack to silence the NLC, which has become the last stronghold of popular voice in Nigeria.”
The communique further stated that after extensive deliberations, the NEC-in-session, demanded safety and security guarantees.
It stated further: “The NEC calls on the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the NLC and TUC to operate freely in the country without fear of harm or violence.
“The NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to widespread hardship in the country. We demand that government withdraws its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, in Abuja and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria, RTEAN, in Lagos.”
It also rejected Police explanation for the invasion of its headquarters.
“The NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as a reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands clear explanation from Government as quick as possible,” it said.
On the end to violence and harassment of protesters, the NLC stated: “The NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government.
“We demand an immediate cessation of these attacks and call on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests. Additionally, all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths must be held accountable, especially the Police.”
It also called for the immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints, saying “This is the only way the government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation.”
On harassment of those holding opposing ideologies, the NLC condemned plans to frame up innocent citizens on trumped-up charges.
