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| NLC members |
In a fiery exchange, the Federal Government and organized
labor clashed over the ongoing nationwide strike initiated in response to the
assault on Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero. The discord
centers on the government's stance that the strike is detrimental to the country's
economic recovery, while labor leaders insist it's a necessary response to the
assault.
Speaking on Arise Television, Kamarudeen Ogundele, Special
Assistant to the Minister of Justice, criticized the timing of the strike,
emphasizing that the nation is striving to regain economic stability. Ogundele
questioned the rationale behind escalating the issue from Imo State, where the
assault occurred, to a nationwide strike without concrete evidence of the
government's involvement.
In contrast, Trade Union Congress President Festus Osifo,
also on Arise Television, defended the strike, highlighting the lack of an
apology from Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma for the incident. Osifo asserted
that the strike, supported by various unions, demonstrated substantial compliance
and warned of broader shutdowns if the government did not address the concerns
promptly.
Ogundele, recounting the genesis of the strike, claimed that
labor violated a court order restricting protests in Imo State. He argued that
the government is not fostering violence and questioned why labor is extending
the issue nationwide without attributing blame to the president.
Osifo justified the strike's success based on their template,
urging the government to address labor's grievances promptly to avert further
disruptions. The labor leaders rejected the idea of relying on court
injunctions to halt their actions, emphasizing the importance of engaging the
government directly.
Despite the intense verbal exchange, there was only partial
compliance with the strike. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, Kwara,
Bauchi, and Zamfara, reported normalcy with open offices, schools, and banks.
However, certain states, like Anambra, Ondo, Kaduna, Borno, and Ogun, witnessed
partial observance.
In Lagos, despite reports of schools and banks operating
normally, some workers, especially in government offices, joined the strike.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC)
office in Oshodi demonstrated mixed compliance, with some workers carrying on
with their duties.
The strike's impact varied across states, reflecting a
complex landscape of compliance and dissent. As the government and organized
labor continue their standoff, the nation braces for potential broader
disruptions if a resolution remains elusive. The confrontation underscores the
deeper tensions between labor rights and governmental responsibilities in
Nigeria.
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