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Organized labour has strongly dismissed
claims by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that its recent nationwide strike
constitutes economic sabotage. According to the labour unions, the real
economic saboteurs are those who loot national resources, not the workforce
advocating for fair conditions.
Labour expressed concerns over Akpabio's
remarks, particularly his suggestion that the Senate might move into an
executive session to address the strike. They argue that such a move undermines
the principles of open and transparent debate essential to parliamentary
proceedings.
In a statement by Benson Upah, Head of
Information and Public Affairs, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) asserted that
for the past 25 years, the political elite, through acts of corruption and
abuse of power, have been the true saboteurs of Nigeria, not the workers.
The statement reads:
"NLC strongly refutes Senate
President, Senator Godswill Akpabio’s recent claims that the indefinite
nationwide strike by the NLC and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC)
constitutes economic sabotage. Such accusations are baseless and deeply
troubling for Nigerian patriots and democracy advocates.
The strike, initiated on June 3, was in
response to the Federal Government’s refusal to conclude national minimum wage
negotiations, reverse electricity tariff hikes, and end discriminatory consumer
classifications. This legally-conducted strike reflects the frustration of Nigerian
workers facing economic hardships and deteriorating working conditions.
Senator Akpabio’s statements undermine the
democratic principles the Senate professes to uphold. The National Assembly,
being the closest arm of government to the people, should understand the
people’s sentiments. This ought to guide their actions and pronouncements
accordingly.
Strikes are not only legal but a civic duty
and a critical tool for holding those in authority and power accountable. It is
a democratic right, essential for preventing dictatorship and social collapse.
For the past 25 years, the political elite
willfully sabotaged Nigeria through acts of corruption and abuse of power, not
the workers. The true economic saboteurs are those looting national resources,
not the labour force.
We, therefore, urge patriotic members of
the Senate and the House of Representatives to distance themselves from these
damaging remarks. Nigerian workers have the constitutional right to go on
strike in response to unfair labour practices, and the NLC and TUC have
exercised this right lawfully.
The economic issues prompting the strike,
like electricity tariff hikes and unfair consumer classifications, are burdens
that exacerbate poverty and inequality but from which the political elite are
insulated. The NLC will continue to advocate for fair economic policies and a
national minimum wage that is realistic.
Labour unions played a crucial role in
restoring democracy to Nigeria, from which current lawmakers benefit.
Therefore, they will not sabotage it. The NLC remains committed to protecting
workers’ rights and calls on government representatives to address the
underlying issues leading to the strike through constructive dialogue and
genuine efforts to improve living standards, instead of indulging in
eye-service criticism.
The Senate President should realise that
the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has settled the right to strike,
despite Senator Lalong as Minister of Labour, voting against it. We call on him
to retrace his steps and know that he is President of the Senate, not Chairman
of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria.
We remain open to dialogue with the
government for sustainable solutions benefiting all Nigerians and expect
proactive interventions to prevent anti-worker policies. We will not be
intimidated by such unfortunate statements from the hallowed chambers of the
Senate and we expect due apologies if it was a slip. Any attempt to undermine
legitimate labour actions will not be acceptable."
This strong response from labour
underscores their determination to protect workers' rights and demand fair
economic policies amidst Nigeria’s current challenges.
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