…says police must apologise for action
BOMA DIPRIYE
ABUJA, Nigeria – In a bold and urgent response, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for immediate and decisive government action following the unprecedented invasion of its National Headquarters by security forces.
This was made known in a communiqué issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, to discuss the incident and its implications for the nation.
While describing the invasion an alarming escalation in government efforts to intimidate the labour movement, the NLC, in a communiqué signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made it clear that the invasion was not only an attack on the labour movement but also a direct threat to the safety and security of Nigerian workers.
“This invasion is another attempt at intimidation and may indicate the desperation within the government to silence dissent through force,” the communiqué warned.
“This unprecedented action by the government has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerian workers, as well as the protection of trade union rights as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
The invasion reportedly followed a biased letter from the Registrar of Trade Unions, further suggesting a deliberate effort to undermine the labour movement which is widely regarded as the last stronghold of popular opposition in Nigeria.
The NEC expressed deep alarm over what it sees as a systematic campaign of intimidation and violence against the NLC since the current administration took office.
It further recalled how this campaign began with the President’s announcement of the removal of fuel subsidies on May 29, 2023, which was followed by threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises aimed at weakening the NLC’s opposition to the government’s policies.
Highlighting specific incidents, the NEC cited the brutal abduction and assault of NLC President Ajaero and other labour leaders in Owerri, Imo State, an incident that remains unresolved as the perpetrators have yet to face justice.
The communiqué further noted that the government has also adopted the use of legal injunctions, military force, and police intimidation to disrupt the NLC’s constitutional activities, including peaceful protests by its affiliate unions, SSANU and NASU.
In a strong condemnation, the NEC decried the criminalization of dissenting views, noting that several labour leaders remain detained due to their participation in recent protests.
“This administration has shown a troubling willingness to criminalize protest and dissent, a tactic that seems designed to silence those who challenge its policies,” the communiqué read.
The NEC also criticized the recent invasion of its headquarters, which it believes was part of a coordinated attack aimed at silencing the NLC, widely regarded as the last stronghold of popular opposition in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the NEC in its resolutions laid out several demands, starting with a call for the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers and trade unions.
The NEC insisted that the NLC was not involved in the recent #EndbadGovernance protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country, and demanded the withdrawal of government agents from all premises they have illegally occupied.
“The NEC calls on the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the NLC and TUC to operate freely within the country without fear of harm or violence.
“We demand that the government withdraw its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos.”
The NEC unequivocally rejected the explanation offered by the Police for the invasion, describing it as an afterthought and a transparent attempt to cover up the true motives behind the action.
“We demand a clear explanation from the government as quickly as possible,” the NLC stated, emphasizing that the lack of transparency only raises more questions.
Furthermore, the NEC condemned the ongoing violence and harassment of peaceful protesters, calling for an immediate end to such actions.
The NLC also demanded that the government declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives during the protests and insisted that all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths be held accountable.
In addition to these demands, the NLC called for the immediate release of all detainees, including trade unionists who were arrested in their homes or while at leisure.
The NEC argued that releasing these individuals is the only way the government can demonstrate good faith and begin the process of healing the nation.
The NLC also condemned what it sees as a deliberate campaign to frame innocent citizens on trumped-up charges, particularly those who hold Marxist, Socialist, or other Leftist ideologies.
“This is not the first protest in Nigeria, and it will not be the last. We must question why this administration is criminalising protest and targeting those who hold different shades of Leftist ideologies,” the communiqué stated.
To address the root causes of the ongoing unrest, the NEC called on the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ dialogue. The NLC emphasized the need for a comprehensive discussion on issues such as hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
The NEC urged the President to take decisive action by addressing the systemic issues of profligacy, waste, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of the Nigerian people.
The NLC called for a holistic overhaul of government policies, urging the administration to distance itself from divisive rhetoric and instead promote national unity and restructuring.
Additionally, the NLC demanded an immediate apology from the federal government and the Police for the invasion of its headquarters. The NEC also directed its leadership to hold a press conference to address all the issues raised in the communiqué and to set the record straight.
In response to the invasion, the NEC announced plans to conduct a forensic security audit of its headquarters to assess its safety and suitability for continued use. The NLC has decided to temporarily cease operations at the headquarters until the audit is completed to mitigate any potential risks.
“To this end, NEC-in-session sets up necessary machinery to conduct a forensic audit of the national Headquarters to ascertain its safety and continued suitability for the use of workers. Until this is done, NEC directs temporary cessation of use of the headquarters to mitigate every unforeseen disaster that may have been intended.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, the NEC emphasized that it would not allow itself to be provoked into hasty actions. The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, stating that its response to the government’s actions would be guided by restraint and a commitment to the greater good of the nation.
Moreso, the labour body warned that the government’s response to the issues raised would determine its next line of action in the coming days.
