Meeting between the Federal Government and the
Ayuba Wabba led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), over the fuel price hike, held
in Abuja on Tuesday night, has ended in a deadlock.
Ayuba and his team were said
to have walked out of the meeting which held at the office of the Secretary to
the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal.
Speaking to newsmen after
the meeting, Wabba declared that the union would embark on the indefinite
strike on Wednesday, 18 May.
“The mandate that we have is
to the effect that the generality of Nigerian workers feel that the pump price
of N145 per litre is too outrageous and out of proportion and in view of the
current economic situation, it is difficult for them to go by it, especially in
the context of the quantum of the increase,” he said.
“Even the attempt to see how
this can be mitigated was not actually made possible at that meeting and we
thought that we shouldn’t continue in the process where we think the end
product has not been able to meet our minimum expectations to be able to have a
point where there will be succour to the larger Nigerian public.
“There was no assurance
whether this increase will also mean price stabilisation. Therefore, there was
a lot of uncertainty whether it will be sustained or whether in the near
future, we pass through this same path.
“It is on that premises that
we thought that there will be no necessity to continue in the process. The
mandate given to us by the NEC is that there should be reversal of price for us
to have meaningful dialogue.
“Certainly, strike
continues. The meeting was a dead end since the demand we made could not be met
in the context of the mandate we have from NEC of NLC.”
This prompted the Federal
Government, through Lawal, to order government parastatals and agencies to
enforce its no work, no pay policy on any worker who joins with the strike
action.
Joe Ajaero faction of the
NLC and the Trade Union Congress had declared that it will not join the Ayuba
faction in the strike action, saying the struggle had been compromised.
Meanwhile, Akinwunmi Ambode,
Governor of Lagos State has declared that the state will not condone acts of
intimidation and threats against workers who choose to work.
Ambode in a series of tweets
@AkinwunmiAmbode declared that: “We are aware of the ruling of the National
Industrial Court on today in Abuja barring the NLC from proceeding with the
planned strike action.
“Therefore it is unlawful
for any person/group to either disrupt free movement of people and vehicles or
prevent normal business activities.
“Threats from certain
quarters to disturb public peace by forcing workers to stay at home against
their wish & the law will not be tolerated.
“We have a duty to uphold
the Rule of Law to ensure Lagosians go about their normal businesses in any
part of the State without fear/molestation.
“We assure Lagosians that
adequate security measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of lives
and property.
“The Commissioner of Police
& other heads of security agencies have been directed to maintain law and
order in accordance with the Rule of Law.
“I wish to reiterate our
commitment to the protection of lives and property and the welfare of the
people.
“I call on all citizens to
go about their normal businesses and report any threat or act of intimidation
to the appropriate authorities.
“I also appeal to parents to
warn their children & wards, particularly the vulnerable ones, not to allow
themselves to be used or manipulated.
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