NLC Members Beaten Up By Policemen In Ebonyi

lice in Ebonyi State attacked and beat up members of
the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) who staged a peaceful
protest in the state against the increase in pump price by the
federal government.
The workers were intercepted near Pastoral Centre along the
Abakaliki-Enugu Expressway as they were on the peaceful
protest by a detachment of Police officers who proceeded to
attack the workers.
The Police, it was gathered, tear gassed the workers
ceaselessly and beat up leaders of the union including the
Chairman Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor who was seen rolling
on the ground as the Police officers kicked and beat him.
He was later bundled into the waiting white Police Hillux
van by four police officers and taken to the Police
Headquarters in Abakaliki alongside about 15 other labour
leaders.
The Police claimed the workers did not obtain Police
clearance to carry out the protest, an allegation debunked
by Comrade Nwafor.
The workers had gathered as early as 8am at their
secretariat along the expressway and took off on the protest
along the expressway.
On getting to the Pastoral Centre, the workers met a
detachment of Police Officers who unleashed an attack the
workers tear gassing them ceaselessly.
One of the Labour leaders, Comrade Greg Ishaya was seen
at the police Station with minor injuries on his hands from
the attack.
Comrade Ikechukwu Nwafor was in pain as he sustained
serious knee injuries and was limping. He relied on the
support of other labour leaders to walk when our reporter
met him at the station after the attack.
The Police Commissioner in the State denied that the
workers were attack adding that the police used minimal
force to disperse the crowd adding that the protesters did
not inform the Police before embarking on the protest.
But Comrade Nwafor debunked the allegation adding that
the command duly informed the police of the protest.

FG To NLC Let's Re-Negotiate This

The Federal Government said it will return to the negotiation
table with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the
increase in the price of petrol.
A statement by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr.
Chris Ngige says the Federal Government appreciates all
the important issues raised by the labour unions and has
taken them into consideration.
It expresses the readiness of the Federal Government
negotiating team to recommence discussions with the NLC
led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba in compliance with the
directive of the National Industrial Court for both parties to
further explore alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
The statement adds that the Government is resolute in
making sure that the economy is not only strong but able to
provide jobs and opportunities for all Nigerians.
It further reiterates the commitment of the Federal
Government to implement the Memorandum of
Understanding on palliative measures already signed by the
other sensitive unions to cushion the effects of the increase
in the pump price of petrol.

NLC To Nigerians; Fight For Your Right And For The Future Of Your Children

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on Wednesday
thanked its members and affiliates for coming out enmasse
to carry out the industrial action against the increase in the
price of fuel.
This was contained in a statement signed by Peter Ozo-
Eson, NLC’s secretary general. The union said: “We salute
their courage, patriotism and sacrifice in the face of
overwhelming acts of threats and treachery.”
NLC promised to continue the protest, noting that “no
reasonable struggle comes easy, and this cannot be
different”.
“Thus, in pursuance of the mandate given by the NEC of the
Congress in conjunction with our Civil Society allies, the
protest continues tomorrow,
“Accordingly, we urge you to mobilise your members,
friends or colleagues for the continuation of the protest
tomorrow.
“You are requested to assemble at Berger Roundabout
tomorrow at 7 a.m.
“For those who are yet to join the strike action, we similarly
urge you to muster the necessary courage to be part of this
historic struggle in defence of yourself, the weak and the
vulnerable.
“No level of comfort today or primordial sentiments should
blind us to the cruel realities of the increase in the pump
price of the petroleum products as what we are seeing is
just the beginning.”

Father Of 8 Commits Suicide In Calabar

A retired Army Officer, Friday William, has reportedly
hung himself to death in Calabar, the capital of Cross
Rivers state.
According to Vanguard, William, who hails from Mkpat
Enin, Akwa Ibom State, was said to have allegedly tied
a rope on a mango tree outside his apartment at 34,
Edim Otop Street in the night of Tuesday while his
family was asleep and hung himself.
Although the reason for his act is yet to be ascertained,
sources alleged that the man who fathered eight
children, may have been mentally challenged.
According to a neighbour, Abasi Imoh, “The man had
about three cars and got a lot of money from his
retirement benefits two years ago and was living well
which is the reason many people are surprised with his
action”.

Get Involved In The Strike And You Will Be Jailed For 6 Months; Ngige

Minister of Labor, Chris Ngige, says according to the
laws of the land, anyone participating in an illegal
strike is liable to a N100k fine or six months jail term.
He stated this while speaking with newsmen at the end
of the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja .
He said: “If you embark on a strike
that is illegal, if you don’t give 15
days notice especially if you are a
member of essential service, you will
be liable to a fine of N100, 000 or six
months in jail. If we invoke it now
they will say this is a ruthless
government but they(labor) are
going outside the law.
This is a change government and we
want to bring everybody on board
into a peace and orderly process”.