Ahead of the two-day warning strike scheduled to begin Tuesday (today) over the fuel subsidy removal, the federal government has appealed to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to back down on its decision.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Simon Lalong, who made the appeal while speaking to newsmen, also accused the Congress of not forwarding their communiqué notifying government of their decision in this regard as required by law.
At the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) Thursday, the NLC reached the decision to call out workers on a two-day warning strike, preparatory to a total strike if the government failed to resolve the dispute over palliatives to cushion the impact of fuel price hike, 21 days after.
The planned strike is coming as the Department of State Service (DSS) raised the alarm over plan by some unnamed politicians to sponsor violence ahead of the judgment by the Presidential Elections Petition Tribunal (PEPT) scheduled to be delivered Wednesday (tomorrow).
At the PEPT to contest the validity or otherwise of the 2023 polls are the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), former Vice President Atiku Abubakar , and his Labour Party (LP) counterpart, Mr Peter Obi, both of whom are challenging the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who contested on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform.
FG pleads
Pleading with the NLC to shelve the planned warning strike, Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Lalong, said the planned action was needless at this time, noting that most of the issues raised by the labour movement were already getting attention of the Tinubu-led government.
The minister said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had assured citizens of the government’s commitment to improving their livelihoods and putting in place measures to ensure that the pains arising from the removal of fuel subsidy are reduced to the barest minimum.
“Already, Government has taken steps to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy which are being implemented by the three tiers of Government. While some of these policies are being planned and fine-tuned, others are being rolled out as palliative measures to bring temporary relief to Nigerians. On the long run, the government of President Tinubu will put in place measures that will empower the people as well as create jobs and prosperity.
“As we continue in this direction therefore, we must ensure that there is a robust line of communication with Nigerians and in particular the organised labour to forestall a breakdown of industrial peace which would no doubt reverse some of the gains already made.
“In this context, it has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to suspend its intended 2-days warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future for Nigerian workers and citizens at large. Furthermore, I would request that the Comrade Leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress gives this Government some time to settle and address the issues on the ground holistically.
“It should be realised that the Cabinet of this administration was only recently sworn in by Mr. President and all cabinet members have hit the ground running by receiving briefings from their MDAs. Therefore, the issues raised by the leadership of the NLC are some issues that I and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour and Employment are being briefed upon. In the next few weeks, we intend to address them holistically,” the minister pleaded.
Consequently, Lalong said: “I use this opportunity to reassure Nigerian workers that this government would never take them for granted nor fail to appreciate their support and understanding. We shall continue to pursue policies aimed at massive employment generation in all sectors of the economy as well as look into immediate challenges that have emerged out of the policies of government. We cannot do this in an atmosphere devoid of industrial peace.
“At this point, I need to put on record that as at this moment, I am yet to receive official communication of the NLC Communiqué following its National Executive Council Meeting, as required by the law. Like many Nigerians, I and the Hon. Minister of State got the information from media sources. I believe my dear comrades will do the needful by following laid down processes for handling such matters since the cabinet is now in place unlike previously when there was no cabinet on ground.”
The issues
On the bone of contention between labour and government, the minister said: “In specific terms, let me take the issues presented by the NLC one after the other. On the issue of subsidy removal, palliative measures are already being handled and implemented, beginning with the State and local governments. You will recall that on the directive of Mr. President, the Federal Government dispatched trucks of rice and other grains to states for immediate distribution to most vulnerable citizens.
“In addition, the National Economic Council under the Chairmanship of His Excellency the Vice President approved the disbursement of N5 billion naira to the 36 States and the FCT for purchase and distribution of more palliatives and further interventions. Earlier, Mr. President had directed the purchase of CNG powered buses and implementation of the policy for conversion of petrol cars to gas as a way of reducing the cost of energy for transportation.
“In the course of the coming weeks, additional measures will be announced having consulted with the leadership of the organised labour and key stakeholders. The issue of the review of minimum wage which was promised by the President will also receive attention so as to ensure that the Nigerian worker is not adversely affected by the challenges of the moment.”
NUTRW, Imo, Abia issues
Speaking on other areas of contention, the federal government said: “The issue of the conflict between the Nigeria Police and the leadership of National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) would be looked into without delay. In line with the subsisting laws of the Federation and International Conventions that Nigeria is party to, I do not believe that this conflict is insurmountable.
“Without prejudice to the fact that the Nigeria Police as a frontline internal security agency has its role to play in civil and criminal matters, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment has its role to play in resolving industrial relations matters.
“Therefore, we shall engage both parties in dialogue to find the way forward on this problem. I believe that the NURTW which plays a very critical role in the economy will always work with not only the police but all other security agencies. This misunderstanding must therefore be dealt with immediately.
“As for the matter between the organised labour with Imo and Abia State Governments, I have been informed that the Nigeria Labour Congress and these State Governments had entered into collective agreements induced by industrial actions carried out by the leadership of the NLC in the States earlier in the year. I would also appeal for calm on this matter, to allow us to follow the laid down procedures of dispute resolution rather than confrontation, which has not yielded the desired results yet. We cannot continue to do the same thing and expect different results.
“On the claims of violation of workers’ rights by some employers with regards to membership of the Unions in the Aviation Sector, I am yet to receive a Trade Dispute Form properly submitted to my office on this matter as required by the Trade Disputes Act CAP T8 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. I wish to reiterate here that no one is above the law and as such, we shall do everything possible to ensure that all concerned act according to the dictates of existing legislations.”
…We‘ll legally deal with masterminds of violent protests – DSS
But raising a red flag Monday, the DSS alerted the nation over alleged plot by individuals and groups to stage violent protests across the country in order to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.
The Service, in a statement by its spokesman in Abuja, Dr. Peter Afunanya, in Abuja, said: “The DSS hereby informs the public that it has uncovered plans by some elements in parts of the country to stage violent protests in order to discredit the federal government and security agencies over sundry socio-economic matters.
“Intelligence reports have indicated that the plotters include certain politicians who are desperately mobilizing unsuspecting student leaders, ethnic based associations, youth and disgruntled groups for the planned action.
“Meanwhile, the Service has identified the ring leaders of the plot as well as sustained monitoring around them in order to deter them from plunging the country into anarchy.”
“In view of this development, University Vice-Chancellors and Heads of Tertiary Institutions are advised to discourage their students from engaging in acts capable of derailing public peace.
“Also, parents and guardians are enjoined to admonish their children and wards respectively to shun the lure of participating in inimical behaviours or conducts against law and order,” Afunanya further stated.
He said: “While the DSS is aware of government’s efforts and determination to resolve some of the challenges confronting the nation, it warns those desirous of subverting national security to retrace their steps.
“This is more so that it will not hesitate to legally come against persons and groups behind the devious plans.”
…Live telecast of judgements allowed – Appeal Court
Meanwhile, after months of intense legal fireworks, the PEPT confirmed Wednesday September 6 as date for its judgment in the petitions filed by the PDP’s Atiku and LP’s Obi against Tinubu’s APC.
Chief Registrar Court of Appeal Umar Mohammed Bangari said this in a statement Monday in Abuja.
Bangari said live broadcast by interested television stations would be allowed for transparency.
The statement said: “The court of appeal wishes to inform the general public that judgment in the following petitions before the Presidential Election Petition Court will be delivered on Wednesday, 6th September, 2023:
“ CAREPC/03/2023 between Mr. Peter Gregory Obi & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 3 Ors. CA/PEPC/04/2023 between Allied Peoples Movement VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 4 Ors. CA/PEPC/05/2023 between Abubakar Atiku & Anor VS. Independent National Electoral Commission & 2 Ors.
“In a bid to promote transparency and openness, these judgments will be televised live by interested Television Stations for the public to follow. Access to the Court premises will be strictly on accreditation.
“Only accredited individuals, including counsel and representatives of political parties, will be granted access into the Courtroom.
“Interested members of the public are advised to watch proceedings from their television sets.”
