In contemporary Nigeria, strikes have become a potent tool for citizens to express their grievances and push for desired changes from the government.
Recent events in Oyo State have exemplified the effectiveness of strikes, as Governor Seyi Makinde responded to a five-hour demonstration by state workers by engaging in dialogue and committing to fulfill their demands.
However, the impending nationwide protest slated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) has raised concerns among authorities, with the acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, issuing a statement urging for peaceful demonstrations.
This writer delves into the significance of strikes in Nigeria, the reasons behind the upcoming protest, and the implications of the IGP’s directive.
The Power of Strikes in Nigeria
In Nigeria’s sociopolitical landscape, strikes have emerged as a dominant means for workers and labour unions to voice their grievances and demand changes from the government.
The recent successful demonstration in Oyo State showcased how strikes can prompt leaders to engage in dialogue and address the concerns of the workforce.
The ease with which the workers achieved their objectives in such a short period reflects the government’s recognition of the power of strikes as a language it understands.
The Present Economic Realities
It is undeniable that Nigeria has been facing inchoate economic challenges, which have caused discontent among many citizens.
The current economic situation has prompted the Nigeria Labour Congress and other bodies to plan a nationwide demonstration.
These organised protests are scheduled to take place on August 2, 2023, aiming to draw attention to the economic hardships and advocate for responsive measures from the government.
The IGP’s Cautionary Stance
In response to the planned nationwide protests, the acting IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has issued a statement cautioning against any violent actions during the demonstrations.
Acknowledging the grievances raised by the labour unions, the IGP emphasised the importance of peaceful dialogue as the most effective means to resolve issues.
He urged all parties involved to conduct the protests peacefully and cautioned against any attempts by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes.
The statement reads, “The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
“While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.
“The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.”
Implications of the IGP’s Directive:
While the IGP’s call for peaceful demonstrations is well-intentioned, some stakeholders argue that it misses the fundamental essence of strikes as a tool to make the government take tangible actions.
Strikes are often seen as a language that resonates with leaders who may have been slow to respond to other forms of communication.
The removal of fuel subsidy by President Tinubu, without adequate measures to mitigate its impact, has drawn significant criticism from Nigerians, who view the promises made by the government as mere attempts to deceive the populace.
In conclusion, strikes have emerged as a powerful mechanism for Nigerian citizens and labour unions to express their grievances and advocate for changes from the government.
The recent demonstration in Oyo State demonstrated the effectiveness of strikes as a means to engage leaders in dialogue and achieve tangible results. However, the upcoming nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have led to concerns, with the IGP urging for peaceful demonstrations.
While the call for non-violence is commendable, some argue that it may undermine the essence of strikes as a forceful language that prompts government action.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic challenges, strikes remain a critical tool for citizens to voice their concerns and demand accountability from their leaders.
Akeem Alao is a Lagos-based freelance journalist and a language instructor
