*Insists it made no deal, convened no meeting with Labour Ministry
*Warns against police impunity on labour unions
By Daniel Tyokua and Ada Okafor
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has declared that there is no going back on the planned indefinite strike starting on October 3rd by the organised labour in the country.
This was as it said that it has not reached any agreement with the federal government to call off the planned strike.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), had at the end of their joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting resolved to embark on an indefinite strike beginning from next week Tuesday to press home their demands following the pains Nigerians are passing through since the removal of petrol subsidy on May 29, by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A statement on Thursday, by Mr. Benson Upah, Head, Information and Public Affairs of the NLC, the Labour Union faulted a statement credited to the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, that the federal government has scheduled a meeting with the NLC and TUC in order for them not embark on the planned strike.
Upah stated that there were inconsistencies in the statement issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The NLC said; “accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike.
“While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting”.
The NLC however, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention.
He further said; “we take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders.
“They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. They are advised to retrace their steps.
“If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough,” the NLC warned.
