The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held an emergency meeting to address the escalating crisis and severe hardships faced by Nigerian workers and the general populace.
The NEC expressed grave concerns over the federal government’s poorly implemented policies, which have led to widespread suffering and the ongoing nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests.
Key Observations and Concerns:
1.
High-Handed Government Response: The NEC criticized the government’s violent response to peaceful protests, which has resulted in the killing and maiming of unarmed civilians by police forces. The NEC urged the government to employ concrete actions and reasonable dialogue rather than resorting to threats and violence.
2. Ignored Warnings: The NEC noted that the NLC had previously warned the government about the negative consequences of removing subsidies and following anti-poor advice from the World Bank and IMF. The government had dismissed these warnings, leading to the current crisis.
3. Human Rights Violations: The NEC condemned the human rights violations perpetrated by security forces against peaceful protesters, calling it an unacceptable suppression of fundamental democratic rights. The NEC also denounced the use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda to undermine the protests.
4. Trivialization of Treasonable Felony: The NEC criticized the government’s misuse of the term “treasonable felony,” stating that its frequent and inappropriate use diminishes its seriousness as a high crime against the state.
5. Government Meddlesomeness: : The NEC expressed strong disapproval of the government’s attempts to interfere with the NLC’s rights to political participation through the federal Ministry of Labour.
Resolutions
1. Demand for Policy Reversal: The NLC demands the reversal of all policies that have led to the current economic crisis. It calls for the implementation of policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.
2. Call for a Day of Mourning:: The NEC mandates the national leadership to declare a National Day of Mourning to honor those who have been maimed or lost their lives during the #EndBadGovernance protests.
3. Call for Accountability: The NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters, demanding that those responsible be held accountable and that justice be served to the victims and their families.
4. Dialogue and Engagement: The NEC urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve the issues at stake and end the national unrest.
5. Immediate Relief Measures: The government must implement immediate relief measures, including providing direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace.
6. Stop Politically Motivated Meddling: The NEC calls on the federal government to restrain its officials from interfering with the NLC’s rights and to withdraw any politically motivated directives to avoid industrial crises.
7. Strengthening Solidarity: The NEC calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance. The NLC emphasizes the importance of solidarity in amplifying the voices of the people and demanding justice and accountability.
Call to Action:
The NEC directs all workers across the country to continue to take measures to protect themselves during the protests and to maintain their commitment to non-violence. The NLC remains steadfast in defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population, striving for justice, equity, and good governance in the nation.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President
Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja Esq. mni, General Secretary
