ABUJA— INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police, Mr. Tafa Balogun, said yesterday that the scale and magnitude of the planned nationwide strike "are quite frightening and disturbing. He, therefore, asked Labour to dialogue with government.
Mr. Balogun in a statement entitled: "Proposed NLC strike, time for dialogue," said: "the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to resume its strike on 16th November, 2004 over increases in the prices of petroleum products. The NLC leadership has said that the next strike will be indefinite and more massive in participation. Preparatory to this, Labour leaders have started mobilising members of the public to participate in the strike.
"The scale and magnitude of the proposed strike are quite frightening and disturbing. The police wishes to note that the strike coming in less than one month after the last one in October 2004, will not do any good to the stability of the country, our national economy, nascent democracy, international image and reputation. Such strikes often result in enormous economic losses for the country and the people. Internal security, peace and stability are never enhanced.
"The growth of our young democracy will be retarded. The cumulative effect of these strikes is that it does not encourage adequate investment in the country. At the end, the ordinary man whose interest Labour claims to be championing is more adversely affected by the strike than without it. In effect, in every strike everyone loses one way or the other.
"The police recognises the right of Labour to declare trade dispute. But Labour law itself does not support violence nor does it warrant colouration of protest. Therefore, caution and discretion are very necessary especially at this critical moment of our national life. The Nigeria Police, therefore, uses this medium to sue for peace and hereby call on Labour to continue to dialogue with the government on how to cushion the effects of the increase in prices of petroleum products on the masses.
"This is what we are talking about. The police are calling for this peaceful approach, using the instrumentality of dialogue which is nationally and internationally acclaimed as the most rational and best practice in any civilised society. Knowing full well that Labour leaders have the interest of the nation and the citizenry in particular at heart, the Nigerian Police Force urges Labour leaders to bury the hatchet and embrace peaceful negotiation and dialogue.
"Needless to remind all and sundry that the Nigeria Police Force has a duty to maintain law and order in the society. We will perform this duty at all times. Therefore, all persons (workers inclusive) are enjoined to go about their lawful duties and legitimate businesses without fear of harassment and intimidation.
"The Police has made adequate arrangement to provide security to all banks, hospitals, schools, financial institutions, NNPC, NITEL and NEPA installations, Federal and states civil services, secretariats, parastatals, markets, motor parks, filling stations, etc.
"Any person or group of persons who threatens public peace will not be spared. Such persons will be promptly arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law."
