- By Halimah Olamide
The Nigerian Labour Congress has declared that it has not agreement with the Federal Government to halt its proposed national strike.
The Labour union said enough is enough as the Bola Tinubu-led government has demonstrated that it has no plan for the good of the people.
In a statement by Benson Ujah Director of Press at the Labour House, the workers said it became germane to tell the world that at no time did the NLC enter into a pact with the Ministry of Labour and Productivity that the strike would be shelved.
Referring to a claim by the ministry, the statement said, “The press statement issued by the Director of Press, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Mr Olajide Oshundun on our proposed strike action and illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers has been brought to our attention. We note some inconsistencies.
“Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action. Neither do we have any date for a meeting with government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.”
The Congress said While it does not intend to demean the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. It added, “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting.
“Secondly, while we appreciate the role played by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Barrister Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the National Union of Road Transport Workers from unlawful/illegal police detention, we take exception to the Ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.
“They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. They are advised to retrace their steps.”
The Congress said if democracy is to be of meaning, then Nigerians should resist the urge or temptation for impunity concluding “Enough is enough.”