By Asuquo Cletus Felix
The Nigerian Police Force has ordered the Nigerian Labour Congress to shelve its strike action, and comply with legal requirements to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
This was contained in a press release issued on Monday by the force public relations officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi mnipr, mipra, fCAI, titled
“PROPOSED STRIKE ACTION: NPF URGES ORGANIZED LABOUR TO SHELVE STRIKE, COMPLY WITH LEGAL PROCEDURES TO PREVENT BREAKDOWN OF LAW, ORDER”.
It noted that while the force acknowledges the actions of the nationwide strike, and the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, it also wishes to emphasize on the need for the union to adhere, to the existing laws governing such activities, calling for caution in order prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.
“The Nigeria Police Force, while acknowledging the recent announcement by organized labour regarding the intention to embark on a nationwide strike action and understanding the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, wishes to emphasize the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities; and calls for caution to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.
In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.”
It also urged members of the union to continue negotiating with the federal government in determining a new minimum wage.
“The NPF hereby urges organized labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such a decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.”
Street news reports that the Nigerian labour Congress is striking, over what it’s described as a disappointment over the federal government failure to conclude and pass into law the new national minimum wage act, and reverse the vexatious hike in the electricity tariff to N65/kWh.
Despite a series of deadlock meetings, labour is also striking over the inconclusive national minimum wage negotiation and refusal to reverse the hike in electricity tariff.
