The Nigeria Police Force has asked that the organised labour cancel the ongoing strike and continue to engage in negotiation meetings with the federal government.
The police said negotiations will lead to a resolution, as the strike could cause more hardship for Nigerians.
In a statement by Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force’s public relations officer, the police asked the unions to shelve their strike to avoid the breakdown of law and order.
The statement indicated that the federal government considers the strike illegal and premature, and the police see it as a possible cause of tension and instability.
“In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.
“The NPF hereby urges organised labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country,” the statement reads in part.
The police also assured the public of sufficient deployments to allow citizens to perform their lawful duties without obstacles. The public is advised to stay calm and continue daily activities, while organised labour should act within the law and use dialogue and legal methods to address grievances.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure citizens can do their lawful duties without hindrance.
Therefore, all public members are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities. At the same time, organized labour is urged to act responsibly and by the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolving the existing grievances,” the statement stated.
The organised labour’s nationwide strike over minimum wage demands begins today.
A meeting led by National Assembly leaders on Sunday evening did not stop the strike, as the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Unions Congress decided to proceed.
The meeting was chaired by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, with NLC President Joe Ajaero and TUC counterpart Festus Osifo attending.
After the meeting, Osifo stated that despite the Senate President’s request to cancel the strike, they cannot do so without consulting their organs. The strike will start while they discuss their organs.
