NLC Suspend Strike

The Ayuba Wabba led-faction of the Nigeria Labour
Congress (NLC) held a meeting on Sunday in Abuja on
the on-going protest action against the increase in
pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity
tariff.
A communique Wabba co-signed with Peter Ozo-Eson,
NLC general secretary, said NEC reviewed the protest
action and its impact across the nation, noting the
sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of
Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of
the police in some states.
It stated that NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi
State Police Command “where our members were
intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.”
It reads: “After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted
its protest action was informed by the twin issues of
the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and
increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC
adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of
both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the
twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical
increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship
they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to
compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be
compelling but that the scenario had changed as both
the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had
anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not
surprised by government’s negative response.
Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of
mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling
it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it
will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the
action in one way or the other and reaffirm its
commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated
was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak
and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers
of relying on importation of petroleum products as a
sustainable strategy for making available petroleum
products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead,
time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state
councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at
very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this
struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the
National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led
by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due
consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend
with immediate effect, the action it commenced on
Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby
suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government
on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an
increase in the pump price of petroleum products and
any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue
within the framework of internationally established and
recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong
legislations, policies and programmes and will always
act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the
only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion,
region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
“The Congress urges the government to play by the
rules in its engagement with its constituent parts,
stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its
commitment to deepening our democracy and also in
acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes
around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at
all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Congress commends all Nigerians for their
understanding and support.”

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”.