NLC strike fails to cripple National Assembly, as Wabba drums Saraki’s support

Recall that the Wabba faction had embarked on industrial action and protest since Wednesday due to the hike in fuel price from N86.50 to N145 per litre and increase in electricity tariff.

While many commentators say the current strike is the weakest ever in the nation’s history, they describe the visit of the embattled NLC President to the Senate President as a face-saving measure. However, Wabba dismissed the claim, insisting the meeting was at the instance of Saraki.

Speaking to journalists after a closed-door session with the Senate leadership, Wabba stated that the strike embarked upon by the Union would continue, even as he declared that the Union is open to negotiation.

He explained that contrary to media reports; at no point did they stage a walk out on the Federal Government delegation. According to him, his union has not received any formal invitation for a meeting with the Federal Government since they commenced the strike.

On his part, Saraki told reporters that the industrial action embarked upon by the NLC and some of its affiliate unions would soon be resolved in the interest of the people. He said the Senate would ensure that the window of dialogue is kept open towards a quick resolution of the disagreement while also expressing confidence over the commitment of the Labour leaders towards resuming dialogue and negotiation with the government.

Earlier in the week, the senate had thrown its weight behind the recent increase of PMS from N86.50 to N145 per litre, urging the Federal Government to immediately implement  palliatives in the 2016 budget to cushion the effects of the recent fuel price hike.

Unlike the House of Representatives, it however, failed to summon the Minister of State for Petroleum and Group Managing Director of NNPC Ibe Kachikwu on the matter.

The upper legislative chamber also directed its committee on Labour to mediate between the Federal Government and labour unions to resolve the differences.

Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over plenary, disclosed that the upper legislative chamber arrived at the decision after two closed-door sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Specifically, Ekweremadu said the Senate was interested in ensuring that Nigerians do not face hardship resulting from the ongoing industrial action.

Meanwhile, the Red Chamber bowed to pressure by unanimously rejecting the ‘anti-social media bill’, following public outcry that trailed the legislation since last year November when it was first introduced on the floor of the Senate.

The Bill titled: “Frivolous Petitions (Prohibition) Bill 2015” sponsored by the Deputy Senate Leader, Bala Ibn Na’Allah was earlier rejected by the Presidency on the grounds that it was capable of eroding the fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

Presenting the report of the panel, Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, David Umaru said if the controversial bill was passed into law, it would cause more harm than good to the nation’s democratic credentials.

Eleven (11) bills also passed First Reading during the week. They include: the National Institute of Credit Administrators Bill; Chartered Institute of Finance and Control Bill; Insurance Act 2003 (Amendment) Bill; National Health Insurance Act CAP 2003 (Repeal and Re-enactment) Bill; Engineering Council Act 2004 (Amendment) Bill.

Others are: Federal Audit Service Commission Bill; Capital Expenditure Budget Roll-Over Bill; Abduction, Wrongful Restraint and Confinement Bill; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Act (Amendment) Bill; Pension Reform Act (Amendment) Bill and National Hospital for Women and Children Act (Amendment) Bill.

The upper chamber adjourned on Wednesday till Tuesday May 24 to enable committees yet to submit reports on bills and public hearings do so for consideration. The 8th National Assembly is expected to proceed on two-weeks recess at its one-year anniversary on June 9.