NLC, TUC Issue Strike Notice Following Attack On Joe Ajaero

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have issued a strike notice to the Federal Government, set for November 8. This is in response to an attack on NLC President Joe Ajaero and other union leaders in Imo State on Wednesday. In a joint statement released on Friday, the unions presented a six-point demand to the government.  These demands include the immediate removal of the Commissioner of Police, Imo State, and the Area Commander, as well as other officials allegedly involved in the attack. Furthermore, the unions have called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals responsible for the attack, along with compensation for the victims. They have also demanded a public apology from the Imo State Government and the Inspector-General of Police. Additionally, the unions seek assurances that such an attack will not recur in the future. If the government fails to meet these demands within the next five days, the unions have warned that they will proceed with a nationwide strike. 

NLC President Alleges Police Assault, Hospitalization in Imo State Protests

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, was allegedly subjected to a violent encounter with the police and subsequently hospitalized, according to the union spokesperson. Ajaero was apprehended in Imo State during an NLC-led protest and strike aimed at addressing workers’ grievances, including unpaid salaries and pensions. After his arrest, Ajaero claimed he was physically assaulted, blindfolded, and taken to an undisclosed location where he endured further brutal treatment, including attacks with bottles. His personal belongings, including phones and money, were seized and not returned to him. Ajaero was taken into custody at the NLC secretariat in Owerri, Imo State’s capital, during the course of the protest. The Imo State Police Command contested these claims, stating that Ajaero’s arrest was intended to ensure his safety. The police explained that there were scuffles and disagreements arising from the proposed lockdown of essential facilities during the protest, leading to an attack on Ajaero by a mob. As a result, he was placed under protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to prevent harm. The police contended that an injunction from the National Industrial Court on October 27, 2023, prohibited the NLC from holding the planned rally. The NLC, however, insists that Ajaero was brutalized after his arrest, not before. Meanwhile, the Imo State Government has distanced itself from Ajaero’s arrest, with the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, describing those alleging government involvement as “perennial mischief makers.” He stated that the court injunction rendered the planned strike illegal, and the Imo State NLC chapter had announced its withdrawal from the strike. The government claimed that Ajaero may have clashed with lawful workers from Imo State and intruders from Abuja, necessitating police intervention to maintain peace.

No Going Back On October 3 Strike, NLC Insists

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says it has reached no agreement with the Federal Government to call off the planned indefinite strike for October 3, insisting that the planned industrial action will still continue. Mr Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs in NLC said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. It would be recalled that the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had at the end of the joint National Executive Council meeting declared an indefinite strike beginning from Tuesday to press home their demands. Upah was reacting to a statement allegedly issued by Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director, Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Upah said there were some inconsistencies in the statement which include the proposed strike and the illegal occupation of the secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). “Accordingly, we find it necessary to make clarifications. Firstly, we do not have any agreement with the government to suspend the planned strike action. “Neither do we have any date for a meeting with the government that may lead to the suspension of the proposed strike. “While we do not intend to demean or minimise the office of the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, this matter is beyond the Ministry. “This should have been obvious to them during our most recent meeting,” he added. He, therefore, commended the role played by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong in securing the release of the executives of the NURTW from unlawful, illegal police detention. Upah added: “We take exception to the ministry describing these executives as factional leaders. “They were lawfully elected into office. We still find it necessary to advise the police and those elements behind their travails to desist from this despicable and shameful conduct. “They are advised to retrace their steps. If democracy is to be of meaning to us, then we should resist the urge or temptation for impunity. Enough is enough.”

Warning Strike: We achieved our goal, says NLC

*Calls on workers to return to work promptly as two-day industrial action ends The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has concluded its two-day warning strike, urging its members across the country to resume work. NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed appreciation for the participation of Nigerian workers in the strike, emphasizing that significant progress had been made. The strike, initiated by the labour union, spanned Tuesday and Wednesday and was driven by concerns over unfulfilled agreements with the Federal Government regarding petrol subsidy removal. The decision to strike had a substantial impact, causing disruptions in economic and commercial activities in various states across the nation. Ajaero conveyed the NLC’s satisfaction with the outcomes, stating, “We are pleased to report that, thanks to your resolute commitment, we have made significant strides in achieving the goals set during our National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, which prompted the initiation of this warning strike.” He continued, “It is abundantly clear that our united message has resonated loudly with the government, and it would take a truly inattentive ear not to hear it.” With the warning strike concluded, the NLC called upon its members to return to work promptly, in alignment with the initial agreement. The resolution signals an intent to continue constructive dialogue with the government regarding the subsidy removal issue.

NLC’s planned protest, strike according to law –Falana

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana has said the Nigeria Labour Congress and its affiliates can proceed on the August 2 strike and protest as planned, and that the exercise does not translate to any contempt of court. This is contained in a letter from the Falana Falana Chambers, solicitors to the NLC, by Sam Ogala, titled “Re- NLC in contemt of Court” and addressed to the Permanent Secretary/ Solicitor-General, Federal Ministry of Justice on July 28. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the decision of Nigerian workers to participate in peaceful rallies is for the interest of the masses and to protest the worsening economic crisis in the country. “You were reported to have accused the leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress of treating the order of the National Industrial Court with contempt. “Contrary to your unwarranted allegation, the Nigeria Labour Congress does not intend to disobey the ex parte order of the National Industrial Court. “And to the effect that “the defendants/respondents are hereby restrained from embarking on the planned Industrial Action/or strike of any nature, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice dated June 5.” Falana added that the National Industrial Court or any other Court had not granted an order of interim, interlocutory or perpetual injunction restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC. He argued that it was the constitutional right of Nigerian workers to protest peacefully and cannot by any stretch of imagination be classified as an industrial action or strike of any nature. “It is pertinent to draw your attention to the case of Inspector- General of Polic vs Nigeria People Party (2008) of where the Court 12 WRN 65, where the Court upheld the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest without police permit in the leading judgment of the Court, Justice Adekeye. “This includes the right to demonstrate, and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done. “If as speculated by law enforcement agents, that breach of the peace will occur, our criminal code has made adequate provisions for sanctions against breakdown of law and order. “So that the requirement of permit as a conditionality to holding meetings and rallies can no longer be justified in a democratic society.” He added that, finally, freedom of speech and freedom of assembly are part of democratic rights of every citizen of the country. “Our legislature must guard these rights jealously as they are part of the foundation upon which the government itself rests. “Having advised the NLC and its allies to conduct the rallies peacefully, you may wish to advise the Nigeria Police Force to comply with section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020. “Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to. “The police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilise personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession,” he said. The National Industrial Court in Abuja on June 5, restrained the NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, from embarking on their planned strike to protest the unilateral removal of fuel subsidy by the Federal Government. The court, in a ruling that was delivered by Justice O. Y. Anuwe, barred the two organizations from proceeding with the strike action, pending the determination of a suit that was brought before it by FG. The court held that the interim order, as well as the substantive suit, should be immediately served on both the NLC and the TUC, which were cited as defendants/respondents in the suit marked: NICN/ABJ/158/2023, even it fixed the matter for hearing on June 19. The court order followed an ex-parte application that FG filed through the Federal Ministry of Justice. FG’s lawyer, Mrs. Maimuna Lami Shiru, who moved the application, maintained that the proposed strike action was capable of disrupting economic activities, the health sector and the educational sector. FG further tendered Exhibits FGN 1, 2 and 3, which were notices from the NLC, TUC and the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ, to their members, asking them to withdraw their services with effect from Wednesday, June 7. The court, in its ruling, held that it was empowered by section 7(b) of the NIC Act, 2006, with the exclusive jurisdiction in matters relating to the grant of any order to restrain any person or body from taking part in any strike, lockout or any industrial action. It held that sections 16 and 19(a) of the NIC Act 2006, also empowered it to grant urgent interim reliefs. The court held that the affidavit of urgency as well as the submission of FG’s lawyer revealed: “a scenario that may gravely affect the larger society and the well-being of the nation at large”. On July 27, the Federal Government said the planned strike by the NLC over the removal of fuel subsidy and its attendant hardship is in contempt of an order of the National Industrial Court. Solicitor-General of the Federation Beatrice Jeddy-Agba, in a statement on the issue, warned the NLC leadership to desist from threatening court orders with disdain. The NLC, on July 19, issued a notice to begin a nationwide strike on Aug. 2 to protest the removal of fuel subsidy amid an astronomical hike in the pump price of petrol resulting from the policy announced by President Bola Tinubu at his inauguration on May 29.