…Calls for release of #EndBadGovernance detainees
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday, expressed worries over what it described as consistent pattern of intimidation, brutality against the labour Union, by the current administration.
The Labour Union, in a communique issued on Sunday and signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, stayed that “Since the current administration took office, there has been a pattern of intimidation, brutality, and deceit against the NLC and Nigerian people. The communique which came after the 10th “ Emergency National Executive Committee NEC, meeting” said “ It has been a trail of systematic intimidation and violence against trade unions and their leaders”, since the current administration took over office in May, 2023.
The NEC while highlighting the recent invasion of the NLC headquarters, in Abuja, described the invasion as “part of a coordinated attack to silence the NLC, which has become the last stronghold of popular voice in Nigeria. According to the communique, “ The NEC-in-session, after extensive deliberations, called on the federal government to guarantee the Safety and Security of its members
“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 within the country without fear of harm or violence.
The communique noted that NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country.
Read also: Protests: NLC calls for relief measures to ease sufferings
The Union therefore, demanded that the government withdraw 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. The Union also rejected Police explanation for the invasion, describing 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 the Government as quick as possible. He NLC reiterated its earlier condemnation of the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government and demanded 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.
The Union also called on the federal government to immediately release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints. Read also: NLC kicks, as security operatives invade Labour House, Abuja
The NLC also rejected plans to frame up innocent citizens on trumped up charges. We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last, adding that “NEC wonders why this administration is criminalizing protest and have renewed clamp down on Marxists, Socialists and those who hold different shades of Leftist Ideologies as if courting a neoliberal dictatorship. “The NEC calls on the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss the pressing issues confronting Nigeria and chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
The Union while calling on the government to stop the blame game, said it should instead, engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges.
“This invasion is another attempt at intimidation thus may be a clear indication of the desperation within the government to silence dissent through force. The NEC warns that peace without justice is transient and unsustainable.
“The NEC-in-session sets up necessary machinery to conduct a forensic audit of the national Headquarters to ascertain its safety and continued suitability for the use of workers. Until this is done, NEC directs temporary cessation of use of the headquarters to mitigate every unforeseen disaster that may have been intended.
Read also: NLC, 19 others kick against protests in Cross River The NLC said it believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by the Government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation. It insists that in the midst of recklessness, insanity and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint.
“This is what is required now and the response of the government to our queries will determine what our next line of action will be in the coming days”
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
“This is the only way Government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation”.
