Nigeria (Blank NEWS Online) –
President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ayuba Wabba in Abuja on Thursday, said it was ready to negotiate with the Federal Government, just as President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, confirmed that NLC had shown commitment for dialogue, adding that the National Assembly will play its role in resolving the crisis.
Wabba expressed NLC’s readiness for dialogue while briefing newsmen after a closed-door meeting between the leadership of the union and the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.
He, however, insisted the strike would continue as the government had yet to reach out to the union for negotiation.
He said he did not walk out of any meeting with the federal government, adding that the union had also not received any formal invitation for meeting with the government since they commenced the strike.
The Wabba-led faction had embarked on industrial action since Wednesday due to the hike in fuel price from N86.50 to N145 per litre.
However, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joe Ajaero-led NLC faction withdrew from the industrial action.
Protests against the federal government have been going on in several states despite the court injunction on the Nigerian Labour unions to suspend the intended strike action over the recent fuel hike.
Federal and state Government offices, schools and banks remained closed on Thursday across the country as the nationwide strike declared by NLC enters the third day.
In Delta state, the protesting workers were led by the Delta State chapter NLC Vice Chairman, Jonathan Jemiregbe, who said the State chapter of the NLC is only obeying the mother union’s strike directives following the recent fuel price hike from N86.50 to N145.00 per liter and the hike in the electricity tariff by the federal government.
“All ministries, departments and agencies are complying with the strike order and the frivolous court cannot even stop us. The judiciary is fond of giving obnoxious court orders. Before an injunction is given, the parties concerned must be carried along. But the NLC was not carried along. Labor leaders that refused to join the strike are government agents and sponsors,” Mr. Jemiregbe said.
The striking workers grounded official and economic activities on Wednesday, causing a heavy gridlock along the popular Nebisis and Illah roads in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
On Thursday, the NLC strike in Asaba, Delta State continued successfully on Day 2, as the protest was restricted to under the Interbau Flyover in a bid to lessen the adverse effect already caused by the hike in petrol price on traders, banks and other business owners.
However government offices remained closed while the media houses were asked to provide skeletal services to keep the people of the state abreast of happenings. The protest continues on Friday May 20, 2016.
Aluta Continua! Victoria Acerta!.
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