Victor Ezeja
The Announcement of the suspension of indefinite nationwide strike by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have elicited reactions from Nigerians on social media as netizens share diverse views on it.
While some vilify the labour unions for suspending the industrial action two days after it commenced, others commended them for not allowing to further disrupt socioeconomic activities across the country.
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The leadership of NLC and TUC had after their emergency meeting on Wednesday evening, announced suspension of the indefinite nationwide strike that began on Tuesday, 14 November.
The labour unions had embarked on strike to register displeasure over failure of the government to address issues regarding the brutalization of the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajero, who went to Imo State with other labour leaders on November 1 to mobilse members for a peaceful protest against poor treatment of workers in the state.
The labour unions demanded arrest and prosecution of all those involved in rough-handling of the NLC president.
According to a statement jointly signed by the NLC General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, and Secretary General, TUC, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the leadership of the two unions said the suspension was to facilitate further discussions after some of their crucial demands were met by the Federal Government.
The statement said: “Sequel to the emergency joint National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NLC and TUC today, the 15th day of November, 2023 in which a thorough review of the offers presented by the federal government through the National Security Adviser during its earlier meeting with the leadership of both centers was made, a resolution was reached to suspend the ongoing nationwide strike, which commenced on the 14th November, 2023.
“This suspension is intended to facilitate further discussions after the federal government had met our crucial demands to address the distressing abduction and brutalization of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and others. These incidents occurred at the hands of the Police and Governor Hope Uzodimma’s thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on the lst day of November, 2023,” they said.
“An apology was tendered on behalf of the government by The NSA, who promised to coordinate the investigation. Some of the perpetrators have been arrested, and we were given High assurances that all others will be fished out and prosecuted.”
The statement further expressed readiness of “High-powered investigation is currently being carried out on the incident.”
Reacting to the suspension, an X user wrote: “”I told you that his guys are not serious.” Another users @Brodamike 07 wrote: “Very unnecessary strike. What have they achieved now? There are better things to go on strike for.”
“NLC strike was very unnecessary! NLC/TUC are now looking so weak! That’s what happens when you always use your strong tool (strike) anyhow!”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
