The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning that its members will embark on a nationwide work boycott if security operatives continue to harass its officials and vandalize its facilities.
This threat was made in a Press statement released by Comrade Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, in response to the invasion of the union’s headquarters by armed security personnel believed to be from the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday night.
The security operatives broke into the Labour House in Abuja, ransacking offices and confiscating various materials, which they claimed were used to incite and organize the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests.
In light of this incident, the NLC leadership has directed all officials and staff to stay away from the premises until further notice to avoid being implicated or targeted.
The NLC will no longer tolerate these intimidatory tactics and is prepared to take drastic measures, including a work boycott, to protect its members and facilities from further harassment.
The statement reads: “Given the state of things, the Nigeria Labour Congress has directed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House for now until we are certain that there are no incriminating materials or harmful substances dropped in our offices by the invading operatives. In order to allay our fears, we demand an international inquiry into this very traumatic invasion.”
It added, “If this harassment continues, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured.
“We warn that the asphyxiation of the public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are going through right now would only make matters worse. A stitch in time might still save nine!”
NLC rose from its National Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to investigate the deaths of dozens of citizens killed by security personnel during the ongoing nationwide protests against economic hardship.
The union in a communique released to the media, condemned the government’s attempts to suppress citizens’ right to demonstrate against the economic hardships caused by its failed policies.
The NLC reaffirmed its support for the #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests, urging President Tinubu to immediately reverse his anti-people policies to address the grievances driving the revolt.
Additionally, the union demanded that the government promptly approve subsidies on essential commodities to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians.
The NLC’s demands emphasize the need for accountability, policy reforms, and immediate relief measures to address the economic hardships faced by citizens, which have sparked the ongoing protests.
