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B N W: Biafra Nigeria World News |
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No going back on strike, union leader assures
LABOUR is neither cowed nor intimidated by the Federal Government's stance on the proposed strike by workers since nowhere in the world has strike been treated as a criminal offence.
This was an argument by the Secretary General of the Nigerian Civil Service Union, Chief Nkem Nwauzor, on the proposed strike by Labour, following a 27 per cent increase in the prices of petroleum products by the Federal Government.
Nwauzor, who spoke in a telephone interview, asserted: "In the whole world, there is no where strike is criminalised. Strike is not a crime. So why should it be different here in this country, why should Nigeria enforce such a bad law"
He confirmed that the Federal Government was yet to contact the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the planned strike, saying it was not unexpected as the presidency has vowed not to liase with the congress over the issue.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Chukwuemeka Chikelu, had said that the government would not dialogue with NLC because there was a subsisting court judgment, which had invalidated the protest.
He however, said Labour was not bothered by government's posturing, as it had resolved that it would not stand by and watch the masses being "pauperised" by the government.
Besides, he said Labour was optimistic of successfully challenging the judgment of Justice Roseline Ukeje of the Abuja High Court, which had voided the office of the NLC president and congress' power to call workers out for strike over increase in fuel price.
Nwauzor said the judgment would not stand the test of time, adding that Labour was going ahead with the planned nation-wide strike and that mobilisation of stakeholders was in progress.
Meanwhile, the Delta State chairman of the NLC, Mr. Mike Okeme has solicited the support of the public in the strike billed to commence on October 11.
He said in an interview with The Guardian that since the government's policies have only reflected its insensitivity to the plight and feelings of Nigerians, Labour has no choice but to call the government to order.
"We are calling on all Nigerians to remain at home as from October 11 as that is the only way we can force them to listen to us and respect our wishes," Okeme stated
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