BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR–The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on has demanded immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints by security agencies.
NLC in a communique issued after its National Executive Council meeting, on Sunday said that is the only way Government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation.
In the document signed by NLC president, Joe Ajaero, the Congress Condemn 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. 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.
“NEC also 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 NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country. We demand 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.
“NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion. It described 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.
” NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government. We demand 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.
“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 NEC calls on the government to stop the blame game and 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 Congress urges the President to take decisive action by addressing the systemic issues of profligacy, waste, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of the Nigerian people. The government must listen to the voices of reason, embrace truth, and pursue a holistic overhaul of its policies. This includes distancing itself from divisive rhetoric and instead promote national unity and the restructuring.
The Congress also demanded immediate apology from the Federal Government over the recent invasion of its headquarters in Abuja by security operatives.
“NLC said that the invasion by the Police was 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.
“NEC-in-session directs the leadership to hold a Press Conference soonest to address all the issues.
“To this end, 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.
However, NEC 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.
“NEC reaffirms the NLC’s commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and will not hesitate to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.”
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