The leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning that any attempts to intimidate, provoke, or blackmail the union during negotiations will exacerbate the situation and potentially prolong their strike action indefinitely.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Monday, the NLC emphasized:
“Any attempt to intimidate, provoke, or blackmail our leaders at the negotiation table would worsen the issue and further prolong our action indefinitely. Our leaders are acting in accordance with the directives of our organs. Viva! Organized labour. Viva! Working people of Nigeria!”
This declaration follows a call by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who summoned organized labour to an emergency meeting in response to the ongoing nationwide strike.
Festus Osifo, President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), confirmed the meeting, stating that labour leaders from both the NLC and TUC were en route to the SGF’s office.
Additionally, NLC President Joe Ajaero asserted that Nigerian workers would not be intimidated by any organization or government entity over their decision to strike. His comments came in the wake of allegations that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) was attempting to intimidate labour over the national grid shutdown.
Ajaero warned that such tactics would only intensify the anger of the suffering masses, who are already grappling with the harsh policies of the federal government.
“Any attempt to intimidate, provoke, or blackmail our leaders at the negotiation table will be resisted, and our strike action will be further prolonged,” Ajaero reiterated.
