November 07, (THEWILL) – The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have declared a total nationwide strike, effective next Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
Labour also ordered the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State from Wednesday, November 8.
The decision was part of the outcome of an extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Unions, which was held on Tuesday, in Abuja.
Labour said it has commenced nationwide mobilisation of members and allies for the strike.
In Imo, all flights into and out of the state fuel supplies and electricity are expected to stop immediately as applicable, with both public and private sector workers to down tools indefinitely.
Organised labour had threatened a nationwide industrial action from Wednesday, November 8, to protest the assault on Comrade Joe Ajaero.
According to a communiqué signed by the TUC national president, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the NLC deputy national president, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, the federal government has not met the six-point demand it presented last week as a condition to avert the strike.
Among the demands presented are the immediate removal of the commissioner of police, Ahmed Barde, from Imo State, removal of the area commander, arrest and prosecution of the adviser to the state governor on special duties, Nwaneri Chinasa, and other state government officials fingered in the alleged brutalisation of Ajaero and other workers, who were humiliated in the assault.
The labour leaders also demanded an immediate, independent and unbiased thorough professional medical examination of Ajaero in light of the physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him.
They also resolved that other workers and journalists, who were subjected to the alleged inhuman treatment by the police and Hope Uzodimma’s goons, be treated by the state and all the properties lost be restored immediately.
They equally demanded the immediate implementation of all the outstanding industrial relations issues as previously agreed with the Imo State government.
The communiqué reads: “The continued prevalence of the use of violence and impunity in negotiating rights and interests within the nation’s socioeconomic space against all known dictates of democracy and social dialogue.
“Consequently, the NLC/TUC NEC-in-Session resolved to order the immediate withdrawal of services and shutdown of Imo State beginning midnight today.
“All workers and affiliates are expected to ensure compliance from wherever they are. All flights into and out of Imo state, fuel supplies and Electricity be stopped immediately as applicable. All Public and Private Sector workers are to immediately down tools indefinitely.
“That if our demands are still unmet, workers all over the federation shall join in withdrawing their services by Midnight Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
“All State Councils of NLC & TUC and affiliates are by this resolution mandated to ensure full compliance with NEC’s decision.”
About the Author
