By Ken Afor
From all indications, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) were bent on ensuring that the strike entered its third day but all nerves were calmed after the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, issued a statement on behalf the federal government notifying the organised labour of steps taken to meet the demands of their demands regarding the November 1 incident in Owerri, Imo State.
TheNewDiplomat had earlier reported that the Nigerian government through the office of the NSA implored the leadership of the organised labour to terminate the ongoing strike action and enable the existing dialogue process concerning the matters at hand to be accomplished.
Ribadu, the pioneer chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) expressed his deep regret and strongly condemned the incident resulting in the maltreatment of Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC.
The attack and torture of Ajaero according to Ribadu violate the rule of law as well as the freedoms of expression and association.
To quell the agitations of organised labour, he disclosed that some arrests have been made on those involved in the brutalisation of Ajaero on November 1 in Imo.
This outlet also reported that the NSA further had talks with the leadership of the organised labour.
The outcome of the meeting according to the National Vice President of the TUC, Tommy Etim, was commendable on the part of the NSA for reaching out to them stating that the union representatives were content with the NSA’s actions up until this point.
“We commend the steps taken so far by the NSA. He made us understand that he didn’t see the issue on the ground as a political fight. He also noted that two people have been arrested in line with the brutalisation of Ajaero. Initially, the government felt the strike would not hold. They were shocked to see that we went ahead with our threats.
“We are going to have an extraordinary joint NEC this evening by 7pm and I can tell you there is hope,” he said.
The organised labour were left with the option of suspending the indefinite strike after its extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday night.
Announcing the suspension of the strike in a statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Ugbaja, the NLC General Secretary and Comrade Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General, (TUC), the two labour centers said that the suspension was intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal
The statement read: “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.”
