The National Security Adviser, NSA, Nuhu Ribadu has joined other Nigerians appealing to the organised Labour to shelve the ongoing nationwide strike.
Apart from Ribadu, some human rights bodies and civil society groups have called on the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC, to call their members of the strike, caused by the physical assault on Joe Ajaero, NLC president in Imo state on November 1.
According to those monitoring the strike across the country, it’s fast spreading to other states where the strike was marked with divided compliance on Tuesday when it started.
Bank workers, electricity, ports unions, ASUU, amongst others have joined the strike.
In a statement on Wednesday, by Head of Strategic Communications in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Zakari U Mijinyawa, the NSA condemned the assault on the NLC President, saying those involved have been arrested.
The arrest of those complicit on the matter, is one of the eight demands by the unions to call of the strike.
Ribadu condemned the attack on Ajearo, stressing that what happened was against the rule of law, that’s not acceptable under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The NSA said “the Federal Government will never condone such an act,” on union leaders in the country.
NSA said, “The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) is concerned by the declaration of a nationwide strike by the leadership of the Organised Labour led by the NLC and TUC.
“The NSA is particularly worried about the implications of the strike action on the livelihood of ordinary Nigerians and its potential impact on economic security and other strategic national interests.
“As attested by the NLC leadership, the NSA immediately intervened on learning about the travails of the President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joseph Ajero who was assaulted in Owerri, Imo State.
“The NSA regrets the incident and condemns it in its entirety as it was against the rule of law and the principles of freedom of association and expression subscribed to by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his administration.
“The Federal Government will never condone such an act.
“As a fallout of the incident relevant authorities were directed to conduct thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the assault and bring to book the culprits. Available update indicates that some arrests have already been made in this regard. The outcome of the investigation will be made public as soon as it is concluded.
“The Federal Government, through the Office of the NSA, therefore, appeals to the labour leadership to call off the current strike action and allow the dialogue process underway to be exhausted.”
Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians insist that the unions and federal government should meet to resolve the crisis, as it’s already having a serious toll on the economy.
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