The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has said it would embark on a nationwide strike from Aug. 14, if the contemptuous Court summons are not withdrawn by the initiator.
Joe Ajaero, NLC Pesident said this in communique jointly signed with Emmanuel Ugboaja, General Secretary of NLC on Thursday in Abuja.
The communique was issued at the end of the National Executive Council, NEC, meeting of the NLC.
It would be recalled that organised labour had embarked on a nation-wide mass protest over anti-poor policies of government, especially the removal of subsidy that had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
The Federal Ministry of Justice had through the National Industrial Court, NICN, issued the leadership of organised labour summons on contempt of court for embarking on protest.
Mr Ajaero said that NEC observed the ministry of justice through the NICN had continued to allow itself to be used as a vehicle to truncate the dominance of the tenets of democracy and muzzle/silence the voices of Nigerian workers.
”NEC-in-session resolved to go on total strike across the country any day labour leaders are summoned to Court by the government through the NICN.
“To demand the immediate withdrawal of this litigious terrorism by the Federal Ministry of Justice before the end of work Friday, the 11th of Aug.
“To embark on a nationwide comprehensive strike beginning Aug. 14 if this contemptuous Court summons are not withdrawn by whosoever initiated it,” he said.
The NLC president also said that NEC in session was committed to maintaining the required vigilance needed to hold government accountable on its assurances and governance in general.
Mr Ajaero added that, NEC was committed to the terminal date of Aug.19th, within which the issues around the Petroleum price hike will be agreed given the assurances of the President and the National Assembly.
He however said that NEC in session commended the national leadership and all the state officers for the effective coordination of the Protest.
He, therefore, urged all affiliates and State Councils including Civil society allies to stay further action but to remain focused and eternall vigilant.
