ASUU strike: FG pleaded to NLC to suspend its planned protest

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The Federal Government pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress to suspend its planned protest over the prolonged ASUU strike.

On Thursday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, met with the leadership of the NLC in his office to appeal to them.

Other personalities at the meeting include the Minister of State, Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Kachollom Daju.

While talking, the Labor Minister disclosed to the labour leaders the efforts the FG has made so far to resolve the current crisis in the university system. He added that the FG is still working to forge a better future for the sector.

Recall that the NLC announced on July 17 that it would embark on a nationwide protest on July 26 and 27 in solidarity with ASUU to pressure the FG to resolve the unending strike.

In a statement, signed by the Head of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, the minister reminded the NLC leadership that he added them into the three-party negotiation going on in the Labour Ministry; and as a result, they should shelve the rally or protest.

Adding further, he informed the labour executives that the Federal Executive Council instructed him to notify them to consider the severe security implications the protest might cause.

He also added that the Department of State Service sent a report to his office issuing a strong warning to the labour leader not to embark on the July 26 and 27 proposed strike.

He, therefore, enjoined the NLC excos to reconsider their stance regarding the rally to prevent hoodlums from highjacking it to cause security breaches in the nation.

He also expresses the worry of the Government that politicians can take advantage of the rally to cause mayhem in the country.

In his words:

“The masses might wrongly interpret the rally as a ploy by the NLC to enhance the chances of the Labour Party presidential candidate, a situation which could spur the supporters of the other political parties into violence.

“Section 40 of the constitution is clear on Freedom of Association. One of the provisions is that people of like minds can organise themselves and form a political party. There is also a provision that people in work or employment can organise themselves into unions. They are two parallels. Parallels don’t meet.

“I heard when you said you are mobilising for the Labour Party. But, a trade union is not a political party. Look at the Trade Union Act. It does not allow trade unions to use their contributions to support any political party.”

The labour leaders assured the Government that the rally would be peaceful, promising to prevent infiltrators from joining the protest. They said that through the Deputy President of the NLC, Comrade Najeem Usman, and the General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboajah.

Ugboajah expressed the appreciation of the NLC to the minister for his efforts toward resolving the ASUU crisis and pleaded with him not to suspend the conciliation.

Ugboajah added, “We commend you for championing the harmonisation of salaries of workers in the country. We don’t understand why a messenger in the Nigeria National Petroleum Company or the Central Bank should be earning more than a level eight officer in the Ministry.”

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