By Halimah Olamide
More details have emerged how the Federal Government was able to get leaders of the organised labour to end their nationwide strike on Wednesday.
NPO Reported on Wednesday that a meeting of the representatives of the labour and that of the government had been convened at the instance of the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong and the Minister of State for Labour and other representatives of the government.
Originally, it was gathered that while Ribadu assured that those responsible for the attacks on the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, had been arrested, representatives of the labour insisted that the Special Adviser to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo state Chinasa Nwaneri, must be arrested as well before they could consider any form of settlement.
Nwaneri was the one alleged to have coordinated the attacks on Ajaero after his alleged arrest by policemen from the scene where he was attacked.
NPO Reports gathered that at some point, tempers rose as labour leaders threatened to work out of the meeting if there would not be an agreement to arrest Nwaneri.
Ribadu, it was gathered, made another spirited appeal and said if those who attacked the NLC leader could be arrested, nothing stopped the arrest of any other person involved once there are enough evidence.
It was at this stage that one of the labour leaders pleaded with his colleagues to allow them give the NSA the benefit of the doubt saying that they would rely on his promise to do the needful.
Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), explained the action in a statement he jointly signed by Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress(TUC), said the NEC in session later had a thorough review of the offers presented by the Federal Government through the National Security Adviser(NSA), Nuhu Ribadu.
He said, “We found the offers credible and decided to reconsider our action,” he said.
“After the meeting, we directed all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC to demobilise, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action.
“We fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023,” he said.
He added that a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.
According to Ugboaja, the suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met crucial demands.
“We expect government to address the distressing abduction and brutalisation of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, and others.
“These incidents occurred in the hands of the Police and Gov. Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, in Imo, on the 1st day of November, 2023,” he recalled.
He noted that an apology was tendered on behalf of the government by the NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation.
He added that some of the perpetrators had been arrested while others would be fished out and prosecuted.
Ugboaja said that high-powered investigation was currently being carried out and the leadership of labour centres would be briefed continuously as progress is being made.
He commended all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity that made the strike a success.
“Once again, we convey our appreciation for your cooperation, resilience and determination in ensuring the success of the indefinite nationwide strike.
“We encourage you to remain vigilant as we await the fulfiliment of the remaining agreements,” he said.
As at the time of ending the strike, critical affiliates of the labour such as the Nigerian Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics, the Academic Staff Union of Universities and others had joined the strike.