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| Joe Ajaero, NLC leader |
The nationwide strike
declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress
(TUC) was abruptly suspended on Wednesday night, sparking both relief and
criticism. The unions cited intervention from the National Security Adviser
(NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, as the reason for the suspension.
The strike, which began
on Tuesday, was initially prompted by an alleged assault on the NLC President,
Joe Ajaero, during a protest in Imo State. The labor leaders had given the
Federal Government an ultimatum to apprehend the attackers and address other
demands to avert the nationwide strike.
The suspension was
announced after a meeting lasting close to an hour between organized labor and
the NSA. Tommy Etim, the National Deputy President of the TUC, emphasized that
the decision to suspend the strike was temporary. He praised the NSA, stating,
“We listened to the NSA, and he listened to us. He noted that Ajaero didn’t do
anything wrong by going to Imo State. We must commend the NSA, and it is
because of him that there is a suspension of the strike.”
The NSA, Nuhu Ribadu, had
earlier met with the labor leaders and apologized for the attack on Ajaero. He
also announced the arrest of two suspects connected to the assault.
In a statement, Ribadu
expressed regret over the incident, condemning it as a violation of the rule of
law and freedom of association. The NSA urged the labor leadership to call off
the strike and allow ongoing dialogue to continue.
However, the organized
private sector (OPS) and maritime operators criticized the timing and
implications of the strike. The OPS, representing critical players in the
economy, argued that the strike would hinder the federal government's ability
to meet its yearly revenue target.
Despite the suspension,
the NLC listed six conditions that must be met before an indefinite call-off,
including the arrest and prosecution of those involved in the attack on Ajaero
and the dismissal of police officers and thugs connected to the incident.
While the strike has
drawn attention to issues of workers' safety and government responsiveness,
critics argue that its economic impact, especially during a period of currency
stabilization efforts, raises concerns about its necessity.
The ongoing situation
underscores the delicate balance between the rights of workers to protest for
their safety and the potential economic repercussions of a nationwide strike.
The suspended strike has ignited discussions on the intersection of labor rights,
security concerns, and economic stability in Nigeria.
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