The aggrieved citizenry who could not conjure up the sense behind the NLC/TUC leadership going against court order to embarrass the nation by closing down her administrative and socio-economic activities for two days, in the name of industrial but personality based action, until the pleading with pledge intervention of National Security Adviser, NSA.
The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero was said to be abducted and brutalised in Imo state, allegedly by the ranks of the Nigerian police and political thugs loyal to the state governor, when the labour leader allegedly visited the state to campaign against the return of the governor ahead of the governorship election, under the pretext of liberating Imo workers from being short-changed.
While the private hospitals and schools remained opened, the poor and their children were being short-changed from accessing services for reason not their fault, even as the labour leadership has the capacity to access any healthcare service privately during the strike and none of their children are in any public institutions.
Some of the aggrieved among the citizenry, having read the notice, directing for the suspension of the nationwide strike, explaining however briefly, what informed the industrial action in the first place, argued the need to revolutionise the strike by covering not just what affects the leadership but also any member of the trade unions.
“Some workers were abducted, brutalised and ransom paid before gaining their freedom yet the labour leadership has not given it any thought to ventilate displeasure by embarking on a nationwide strike with a call to end the abduction for ransom and other related banditry. There’s indeed the need for rethink,” the aggrieved would lament
Read below the full text of the labour communication that instigated the aggrieved into the conversation:
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