Labour explains why it suspended nationwide strike as the result of an intervention by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Labour and Trade Union Congress officials announced suspension of the 2-day strike last night after meeting with government officials in Abuja.
The unions directed workers nationwide to down tools in protest against Imo State brutalization of Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero.
They however said last night’s strike suspension is temporary while awaiting government’s action on their six-point demand over the assault.
A TUC official told The Punch that Labour secured the commitment of the NSA to implement the demands, which include:
- Arrest and prosecution of Uzodimma’s adviser on special duties who led the attack on Ajaero and other Imo State workers.
- Arrest, prosecution and dismissal of police officers and thugs that participated in the attack.
Ajaero had accused State Governor Hope Uzodimma and State Police Commissioner Mohammed Barde of masterminding his brutal assault.
While Uzodimma flatly denied involvement in the assault, the Police top brass hurriedly redeployed Barde from the Imo Command.
These actions however did not meet Labour’s demands for restitution, hence its resort to a two-day paralysing nationwide strike.
Govt apologizes to Ajaero
The NSA said in a release that it apologized to Labour over the attack on its leader.
The assault, it said, is “against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.”
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act,” the NSA said in the release.
Mr. Ribadu also said government directed “relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate” the assault and bring the culprits to book.
“An available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.”
Government however emphasized the dangers of a nationwide strike on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians. In particular, Labour was advised of its “potential impact on the economy, security and strategic national interests.”
Workers enthusiastically participated in the two-day strike which virtually paralysed essential services in the nation for two days.
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