The umbrella body of labour unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have suspended its two-day old nationwide indefinite strike, citing federal government’s apology and assurance to address its grievances.
OPTIMUM TIMES recalls that in November 1, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero was abducted and brutalized in Owerri, Imo state by agents of the state government as alleged by Labour.
Ajaero and other labour leaders had gone to Owerri to enforce peaceful protest by the state unions over outstanding indebtedness to workers and dismissal of genuine workers tagged ghost workers by the state government, before the incident turned sour.
In suspending the strike, NLC and TUC stated that it was sequel to its emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of 15th day of November, 2023 in which a thorough review of the offers presented by the federal government through the National Security Adviser during its earlier meeting with the leadership of both centers was made, a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.
According to a memo addressed to all affiliates and all state councils, jointly signed by NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja and TUC General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, “This suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others. These incidents occurred at the hands of the Police and Governor Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, Imo state, on the 1st day of November, 2023.
“An apology was tendered on behalf of the government by The NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation. Some of the perpetrators have been arrested, and we were given High assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.
“High-powered investigation is currently being carried out and the leadership of the labour centers will be briefed continuously as progress is being made.”
NLC and TUC further commended all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, which contributed to the success of the nationwide strike.
“Therefore, all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby directed to demobilize, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action, and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023”, the unions stated.
The full text of the memo reads:
NLC
TUC
Trade Union Congress
15th of November, 2023
TO:
1. ALL AFFILIATES:
2. ALL STATES COUNCILS:
Dear Comrades,
SUSPENSION OF INDEFINITE NATIONWIDE STRIKE
Sequel to the emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC today, the 15th day of November, 2023 in which a thorough review of the offers presented by the federal government through the National Security Adviser during its earlier meeting with the leadership of both centers was made, a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.
This suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others. These incidents occurred at the hands of the Police and Governor Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, Imo state, on the 1st day of November, 2023.
An apology was tendered on behalf of the government by The NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation. Some of the perpetrators have been arrested, and we were given High assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.
High-powered investigation is currently being carried out and the leadership of the labour centers will be briefed continuously as progress is being made.
We extend our commendation and salute to all affiliates and state councils for their unwavering commitment and tenacity, which contributed to the success of the nationwide strike.
Therefore, all affiliates and State councils of both the NLC and TUC are hereby directed to demobilize, cease any further escalation of the indefinite strike action, and fully resume work tomorrow, Thursday, the 16th day of November, 2023.
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 fulfillment of the remaining agreements.
Fraternally yours,
Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja Esq. mni
General Secretary, NLC
Comrade Nuhu Toro
Secretary General, TUC
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