The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded an apology from the Nigerian government over the invasion of its headquarters by men of the police force in Abuja on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.
The Congress decried the action by the government which has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of Nigerian workers, as well as the protection of trade union rights as enshrined in ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The union rejected the police’s explanation for the raid on its secretariat, describing it as an afterthought.
In a statement sent to THE WHISTLER and signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the Congress said, “The invasion by the Police was a deliberate provocation by the government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation.
“It insists that amid recklessness, insanity and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint.”
According to the Congress, the impunity began with the President’s May 29, 2023, statement declaring the removal of subsidies, followed by efforts to suppress the NLC’s opposition through threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises to alleviate the country’s hardships.
“The government has also used legal injunctions, military force, and police intimidation to obstruct the NLCS’s constitutional activities
“It has been a trail of systematic intimidation and violence against trade unions and their leaders” Ajaero lamented.
The resolution added, “The NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country. We demand that the government withdraw its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos.
“The NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion.
“It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands a clear explanation from the Government as quickly as possible.
“NEC consequently demands apology from the police and the Federal Government on this once again unwarranted invasion and desecration of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)”.
“The NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government.
“We demand an immediate cessation of these attacks and call on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests. Additionally, all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths must be held accountable, especially the Police.”