Government trying to intimidate us – NLC
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the government of waging a war against the organization following a recent raid on its headquarters by security forces.
At a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, NLC leaders rejected the police’s justification for the invasion and demanded an apology, the return of seized items, and the release of detained individuals.
The NLC also criticized the government’s attempts to interfere with the organization’s internal matters, including a proposed reduction in the tenure of trade union leaders. They argued that such actions violate labor laws and international conventions.
The police had claimed the raid targeted an international terrorist suspect, but the NLC dismissed this as a cover-up, citing inconsistencies in the police’s explanation.
The NLC reiterated its call for a stakeholders’ conference to address critical national issues such as hunger, poverty, and insecurity. They urged the government to avoid meddling in opposition parties’ affairs and to engage in meaningful dialogue with honest Nigerians.
The organization warned it would hold the police accountable for any future incidents at its headquarters or involving its leaders and members.
“The Registrar of Trade Unions, acting on higher orders, issued a threatening letter regarding our relationship with the Labour Party, citing Section 15, subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the Trade Unions Act.
“In their attempt to stifle our voice, they have overlooked Sections 39 to 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the Supreme Court’s ruling on public servants’ right to political views, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
“The government is also trying to reduce the term limit for trade union leaders to two years, which interferes with the internal governance of trade unions and violates labor laws and ILO conventions.
“We want to clarify that although we own barricades, we did not participate in the End-Hunger protest. The government should not associate us with activities we did not partake in. We demand the release of those in custody, including NUEE executive Comrade Opalua Eleojo, who was arrested at a social venue in Abuja.
“We advise the government to cease further acts of intimidation against the Nigeria Labour Congress and against Nigerians in general.”
