Nationwide strike is illegal, unjustifiable, attack on NLC’s president is personal – FG
Bayo Onanuga, who serves as the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, has expressed his views on the recent incident involving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, in Imo State.
Onanuga stated that the altercation in Owerri was a personal matter between Ajaero and the state government, and questioned why it resulted in a nationwide strike, especially after a restraining order was issued by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court.
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He described the actions of the two labor centers as unnecessary and suggested that they were intended to discredit the government.
Onanuga emphasized that while the Federal Government does not tolerate violence or assault on any Nigerian citizen, the Inspector General of Police has initiated an investigation into the incident involving Ajaero. Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, where the altercation occurred, has been transferred out of the state.
Onanuga stressed that calling for a national strike over a personal issue of a labor leader, particularly in defiance of a court order, is an abuse of power and privilege. He urged for power to be used in promoting collective progress and advancing national interest.
He also expressed disappointment in the labor movement for disrespecting a court order, emphasizing that the illegal strike action was designed to cause undue hardship and civil disturbance in the country.
In conclusion, Onanuga reiterated the government’s stance that the strike action was illegal, unjustifiable, and irresponsible, and emphasized the need for the labor movement to respect the rule of law and the judiciary.
