The Nigerian Presidency has issued a strong rebuke against the decision of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to call for a national strike, describing it as unlawful and against the country’s best interests.
In a statement released by the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the government expressed perplexity over the unions’ choice to disrupt the nation of over 200 million people over a personal issue involving the NLC President, Joe Ajaero. The unions had announced their intention to commence a nationwide strike on 14th November to protest the assault on Mr. Ajaero in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.
The Presidency assured its commitment to investigating the assault, emphasizing that the Inspector General of Police had already ordered an inquiry into the matter. However, it condemned the proposed strike as an abuse of power and privilege against a clear court order, stating that it was unjustifiable and irresponsible.
Furthermore, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) admonished the unions to respect the existing court order restraining them from embarking on the planned industrial action.
The Nigerian Presidency underscored the immorality and lack of justification for the strike, emphasizing that it is incompatible with the nation’s progress and societal well-being. The refusal to respect the court order and the disregard for the judiciary were particularly condemned, with the government alleging that the strike appeared to have a clandestine agenda to incite civil disturbance.
In conclusion, the government’s stance stands firm in denouncing the planned strike as illegal, immoral, and against the nation’s interest. The statement by the Presidency leaves no room for doubt regarding its disapproval of the unions’ proposed course of action, asserting that the strike would only serve to cause undue hardship and civil unrest in the country.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy
November 13, 2023
