Federal Government Commits to Address Assault on NLC President
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has jointly announced the suspension of the ongoing indefinite nationwide strike.
The decision followed a high-stakes meeting on Wednesday, triggered by the recent assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero.
TUC President Festus Osifo officially confirmed the suspension, revealing that the decision came during talks with the Federal Government, spearheaded by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu. Ribadu assured the labour leaders that those responsible for the assault on Ajaero would be prosecuted, expressing the government’s apology for the violent incident.
The closed-door meeting, attended by the TUC President, NLC General Secretary, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, marked a turning point in the labour unrest. The nationwide strike was initially instigated in response to Ajaero’s assault in Imo State, occurring two weeks ago during a demonstration over issues such as the “non-payment of salaries and pensions for 44 months and violation of other labour rights.”
The protest, which coincided with Governor Hope Uzodimma’s re-election bid, faced accusations of attempting to influence the governorship election. The strike garnered widespread support from various unions, leading to a halt in activities across the nation.
The organized labour had issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding actions such as the replacement of the Imo State Police Commissioner and the prosecution of Governor Hope Uzodimma’s aides.
Despite legal interventions and appeals, the strike persisted into its second day before being called off in light of government assurances and a commitment to address the underlying issues.