Apathy mars NLC strike nationwide
— 19th May 2016
Angry labour leaders order total shutdown of economic activities
By Bimbola Oyesola
FOLLOWING partial compliance with its directive to workers to embark on strike, in protest against increase in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday, ordered total shutdown of all economic activities nationwide.
NLC and its allies in civil society organisations made good their threat to hold a nationwide strike in protest against the fuel hike, as they converged at the NLC Lagos secretariat as early as 6:00am and eventually moved out around 8:00am.
NLC Vice President, Amechi Asugwuni led the strike in Lagos and said Nigerians should be prepared for a total strike as the first day was only meant for sensitisation to correct an impression by the Federal Government that the strike has failed.
Asugwuni told members that the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba was impressed with the turnout of workers and other members of civil society and rights activists. “We are happy that, in spite of no food, no money, we have done more than 25-kilometer walk from Yaba to the Airport, to let our people know that the strike is real,” he said.
Asugwuni took a swipe at NUPENG for pulling out of the strike. He said whether the oil workers participated or not, the strike would go on.
“We are not going to be distracted. There was a time in the 70s, 80s, 90s and, even in 2010, when workers went on strike and NUPENG pulled out. Nigerians were strong and the strikes succeeded. This time, we are stronger.”
Expressing disappointment on the role Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole played in the build-up to the strike, the NLC vice president advised him to resist attempts by government to divide labour.
Secretary of the Joint Forum Action (JAF), Abiodun Aremu warned Nigerians to stay at home, while business organisations like banks, filling stations and other offices should be shut henceforth. “Tomorrow, any bank that wants to make free money available can do so. Our members in the National Union of Road Transport (NURTW) will not work tomorrow, schools will be shut, already our teachers are on strike, all the government offices are not going to work and the airport will be completely shut”, he said.
Protesters who moved through Tejuosho Road to Ojuelegba recorded a large turnout and numbers increased as the procession went through Ikorodu Road to Maryland. The Police and Army, which had over 20 vehicles and armoured tanks stationed at Jibowu, the usual pathway for the protesters were disappointed as the protesters decided to walk over the bridge.
Contrary to expectation, police, who waited for the protesters at the popular Freedom Park, in Ojota, were disappointed as labour had taken the Maryland route, went to the airport to sensitise and support workers, both at the local and international airports. However, protesters were barred from advancing at Maryland by a police team led by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni but, when the leadership told them only death could stop them from reaching the airport, the police left. A similar barricade was mounted by the RRS team at Police College, but, after intervention from a top police officer, protesters continued through Ikeja while police continued to monitor them.
Meanwhile, the Joe Ajaero faction has dissociated itself from the strike.
General Secretary of the faction, Chris Onyeka said the group was out of the strike until all the issues tabled before the Federal Government at the Monday’s meeting were resolved.
He said the group was already discussing with the government and have already reached some decisions.
According to the General Secretary of the Ajaero led faction, the group has had a rewarding discussion with the government on the issue of reversal of the pump price, palliative for Nigerians and minimum Wage.
He noted that labour unions affiliated to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), should learn from the recent developments following the prohibitive increase in the price of fuel to get united for a vibrant labour movement rather than undermining each other. “Its time we closed ranks to ensure we have a labour movement that commands the confidence of workers, be trusted by the public, respected by the government and employers.”
He said that one should not forget that Oshiomhole is in the present government and, as such, the leadership of the movement should understand action.
“We are the one that should get our acts right and put our house in order, if labour is united, we will not experience what is happening now,” he said.
By Bimbola Oyesola
FOLLOWING partial compliance with its directive to workers to embark on strike, in protest against increase in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), yesterday, ordered total shutdown of all economic activities nationwide.
NLC and its allies in civil society organisations made good their threat to hold a nationwide strike in protest against the fuel hike, as they converged at the NLC Lagos secretariat as early as 6:00am and eventually moved out around 8:00am.
NLC Vice President, Amechi Asugwuni led the strike in Lagos and said Nigerians should be prepared for a total strike as the first day was only meant for sensitisation to correct an impression by the Federal Government that the strike has failed.
Asugwuni told members that the NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba was impressed with the turnout of workers and other members of civil society and rights activists. “We are happy that, in spite of no food, no money, we have done more than 25-kilometer walk from Yaba to the Airport, to let our people know that the strike is real,” he said.
Asugwuni took a swipe at NUPENG for pulling out of the strike. He said whether the oil workers participated or not, the strike would go on.
“We are not going to be distracted. There was a time in the 70s, 80s, 90s and, even in 2010, when workers went on strike and NUPENG pulled out. Nigerians were strong and the strikes succeeded. This time, we are stronger.”
Expressing disappointment on the role Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole played in the build-up to the strike, the NLC vice president advised him to resist attempts by government to divide labour.
Secretary of the Joint Forum Action (JAF), Abiodun Aremu warned Nigerians to stay at home, while business organisations like banks, filling stations and other offices should be shut henceforth. “Tomorrow, any bank that wants to make free money available can do so. Our members in the National Union of Road Transport (NURTW) will not work tomorrow, schools will be shut, already our teachers are on strike, all the government offices are not going to work and the airport will be completely shut”, he said.
Protesters who moved through Tejuosho Road to Ojuelegba recorded a large turnout and numbers increased as the procession went through Ikorodu Road to Maryland. The Police and Army, which had over 20 vehicles and armoured tanks stationed at Jibowu, the usual pathway for the protesters were disappointed as the protesters decided to walk over the bridge.
Contrary to expectation, police, who waited for the protesters at the popular Freedom Park, in Ojota, were disappointed as labour had taken the Maryland route, went to the airport to sensitise and support workers, both at the local and international airports. However, protesters were barred from advancing at Maryland by a police team led by the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni but, when the leadership told them only death could stop them from reaching the airport, the police left. A similar barricade was mounted by the RRS team at Police College, but, after intervention from a top police officer, protesters continued through Ikeja while police continued to monitor them.
Meanwhile, the Joe Ajaero faction has dissociated itself from the strike.
General Secretary of the faction, Chris Onyeka said the group was out of the strike until all the issues tabled before the Federal Government at the Monday’s meeting were resolved.
He said the group was already discussing with the government and have already reached some decisions.
According to the General Secretary of the Ajaero led faction, the group has had a rewarding discussion with the government on the issue of reversal of the pump price, palliative for Nigerians and minimum Wage.
- Why we didn’t suport NLC/TUC
- It’s time we close ranks/Issa Aremu
He noted that labour unions affiliated to Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), should learn from the recent developments following the prohibitive increase in the price of fuel to get united for a vibrant labour movement rather than undermining each other. “Its time we closed ranks to ensure we have a labour movement that commands the confidence of workers, be trusted by the public, respected by the government and employers.”
- Says Oshiomhole not a traitor
He said that one should not forget that Oshiomhole is in the present government and, as such, the leadership of the movement should understand action.
“We are the one that should get our acts right and put our house in order, if labour is united, we will not experience what is happening now,” he said.
No comments:
Post a Comment