.As banks, insurance firms close shop
. DSS raise the alarm against violent protests
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) today commenced a two-day warning strike, following a directive last Thursday directing all its affiliates to withdraw their services until tomorrow Wednesday.
The Union, yesterday, shunned a last-minute reconciliatory meeting called by the Federal Government, which was convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, to avert the two-day warning strike.
But the NLC had insisted that “The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves.
“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off-duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”
Industrial harmony
Lalong, during the meeting, had called for robust communication with Nigerians, particularly the organised labour, to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace, saying the strike would reverse some of the gains already made by the administration.
He said: “In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the NLC to suspend its intended two-day warning strike.
“As such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large.”
He pleaded with the Joe Ajaero-led NLC leadership to give the government time to settle and address issues, as the president’s cabinet was recently sworn-in, and reassured that the current administration would never take workers for granted or fail to appreciate their support and understanding.
He also said the government will continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy but added that “We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.”
This is even as the Festus-Osifo-led Trade Union Congress (TUC) says it will not join the warning strike, but issued a two-week deadline to the government to dispense with the wage allocation.
The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves.
Banks, insurance workers down tools
However, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), stayed away from work, as its members joined the NLC two-day strike action.
In compliance with the Union’s directive to all its affiliates, NUBIFIE in a statement yesterday signed by its General Secretary, Mohammed Sheikh, directed all members to stay off duty during the two-day strike.
The statement reads: “In line with the communique issued after the meeting of National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held on Thursday 31 August 2023 that all affiliates should direct all its members to commence two days’ withdrawal of services from Tuesday September 5 and Wednesday September 6, 2023.
“The directive is imperative to get the needed attention of the government and warn it of its newfound love of meddling in the internal affairs of unions rather than address the punishing economic circumstances we find ourselves in.
“We hereby direct all our organs to comply with this directive by ensuring all our members stay off duty for the two days. Your cooperation in this regard will be appreciated.”
Violent protests
Meanwhile, the Department of State Security (DSS), also in a statement yesterday, said it uncovered plots by some individuals to organise violent protests against the hardship faced by Nigerians.
Signed by its spokesperson, Peter Afunaya, the DSS said the plotters included certain politicians, who desperately mobilised unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic-based associations, youth, and disgruntled groups for the planned action.
The Service said it has identified the ring leaders of the plot and had sustained monitoring around them to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.
The statement reads: “Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards, respectively, to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order.
“While the DSS is aware of government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.
“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.”
