Nigeria’s Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has urged the Organized Labour, led by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), to call off its nationwide strike while condemning the attack on the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero.
In a statement issued by Zakari U. Mijinyawa, Head, Strategic Communication, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), the NSA expressed concern particularly about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.
READ MORE: Nationwide Strike: Nigerian Labour Unions Lock Out Workers, Visitors at National Assembly
It would be recalled that the NLC president was recently attacked on 1 November in Imo State during a statewide protest. While declaring the strike in Imo State, Mr Ajaero had said the industrial action was in protest against “the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in Imo State by the state government.”
READ ALSO: NLC, TUC: Proposed Strike not in National Interest – Presidency
According to the NSA, some suspects have been arrested and investigations into the assault have commenced.
Do Not Localize The Truth – Nigeria Workers President is a National and Global Personality, We demand for Justice Now!!! pic.twitter.com/EGRN5tXnN4
— Nigeria Labour Congress HQ (@NLCHeadquarters) November 14, 2023
The NSA statement further read, “…As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajaero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The federal government will never condone such an act.
“As a fallout of the incident, relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits.
“Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
“The federal government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.
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Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi, has also appealed to the Nigerian Labour leaders, urging them to demonstrate a high level of patriotism and understanding for the growth of the Nigerian economy.
Mallam Mohammed Idris Malagi made the appeal while reacting to the nationwide strike embarked upon by the Labour leaders over the alleged attacks on the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
STRIKE ACTION COMMENCES MIDNIGHT TODAY pic.twitter.com/RdHQbr3LX9
— Nigeria Labour Congress HQ (@NLCHeadquarters) November 13, 2023
According to the minister, the nationwide strike will have adverse effects on the Nigerian economy, as various economic measures of the government are disrupted with strike actions.
He stated that the government has taken measures to address the alleged attack on the Labour leaders, as the Nigerian Police have commenced investigation into the alledged atrocities.
He called on the Labour leaders to collaborate with the security agencies on the ongoing investigations.
