NLC threatens strike action if harassment of officials, facilities by DSS continues
By Admin://
The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC has said that its members will boycott work if security operatives continue to harass its officials and facilities.
NLC in a statement signed by NLC Head of Media and Public Relations, Comrade Benson Upah, gave the warning in response to the invasion of the union’s headquarters by armed security personnel suspected to be from the Department of State Services, DSS on Wednesday night.
It was reported that some armed security operatives broke into the Labour House in Abuja and ransacked the offices at the 10th and 2nd floors.
A source indicated that they took various materials to their vans, claiming that these items were used to incite and organize the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests in the country.
To this effect, the NLC leadership has directed that all its officials and staff should refrain from coming to the invaded house until further notice to avoid being incriminated.
“Given the current circumstances, the Nigeria Labour Congress has instructed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House until we are certain that no incriminating materials or harmful substances have been left in our offices by the invading operatives. To alleviate our concerns, we demand an international inquiry into this traumatic invasion.
“If this harassment continues, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to call on its members to remain at home until their safety and security are assured.
“We warn that the stifling of public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue, and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are currently facing will only exacerbate the situation. A stitch in time may still save nine!” the statement said.
The NLC has also urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to investigate the deaths of dozens of citizens who were killed by security personnel during the ongoing nationwide protests against hardship.
The union condemned the government for employing various strategies to prevent citizens from holding demonstrations against the economic hardships caused by failed policies.
The NLC reiterated its support for the ongoing protests, tagged as #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, urging President Tinubu to immediately reverse his anti-people policies to quell the unrest.
The organised labour also called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency approve subsidies on basic commodities so as to alleviate the suffering of the citizenry.
