The nationwide strike scheduled for February 27 and 28 by the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) has suffered a fresh setback as ,65 Civil Society Organisations have pulled out.
The civil society organisations decision was coming barely two says when the Trade Union Congress (TUC) pulled out of the strike over members’ inability to reach a consensus.
The Coalition of the 65 CSOs announced their decision to pull out on Sunday in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Buba Ibrahim Mohammed and Comrade George Phillips, the Co-ordinator and Secretary respectively
The organisations hinged their action on the fear that the strike might stir up anarchy and cause more hardship on citizens.
The Civil Society Organisations under aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum also warned against going the Sudan’s way.
“Any attempt to embark on a nationwide strike during these critical periods of hunger and harsh economy could be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements, who have been waiting for the slightest opportunity to unleash terror; disrupt public peace, loot business premises and markets .
On February 16, the NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, over the failure to implement the agreements reached on October 2, 2023 , following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
This decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government regarding the widespread hardship.
Ibrahim Mohammed and George Phillips, insisted that the strike action will only stir up civil unrest and further worsen the already bad security situation as well as damage the fragile economy.
According the Coalition, the views gathered from some of their members and citizens across the country are that the labour unions are trying to undermine the current Tinubu led administration and create a process for break down of law and order to score cheap political points.
“As Civil Society Organisations,we do understand the depth of economic challenges facing the ordinary citizens, especially the workers, but we cannot fold our arms and support a move that will further damage and threaten our peaceful coexistence,” the statement said.
While stating that it’s not unaware that the labour unions had the constitutional right to make demands and embark on strike to drive home their demands ,it maintained that NLC should know that Nigeria is already sitting on keg of gun powder that must not be allowed to explode.
“Part of reasons we have refused to join forces with labour unions to create anarchy and cause more hardship for the people . Instead, we are making frantic efforts to meet with federal government to discuss how to amicably resolve the issues at stake.
“We recognise the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities.” It further stated .
The group which accused NLC President, Joe Ajaero of pursuing a political agenda, appealed to NLC members to give the federal government time to implement the minimum wage issue and other demands. (vitalnewsngr.com)
