By Ken Afor
Workers all over Nigeria have been instructed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to cease their activity by midnight ahead of the planned strike from Tuesday, November 14.
The National Industrial Court (NIC) had previously issued a restraint order, preventing them from going on strike due to the disagreement with the Imo State Government.
But in a statement issued on Monday, the unions declared that workers must withdraw their services ahead of the strike.
“In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 12:00 midnight today, 13th November 2023,” the unions said in a joint statement.
“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC Whatsapp Platforms.”
Monday’s directive by the organised labour was in reaction to Wednesday, November 1 assault on the President of the NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Owerri, the Imo State capital who was brutalised by thugs allegedly sponsored by the state governor, Hope Uzodimma.
Consequently, Ajaero accused Governor Uzodimma and the former Commissioner of Police Imo State, Ahmed Barde of assault and kidnapping.
In light of the incident, the labour unions listed certain conditions that must be met by the federal government and Imo State and that failure to meet their demands the organised labour will be left with the option of an industrial action.
