The Nigeria Labour Congress has strongly criticized the seizure of the National Union of Road Transport Workers’ (NURTW) national secretariat by thugs, who were reportedly accompanied by law enforcement personnel. In a statement released after an urgent National Administrative Council meeting on Monday, the NLC expressed its opposition to the alleged involvement of the Nigerian Police in the intrusion into the NURTW national secretariat located in Abuja.
The labor organization’s communiqué pointed out, “During the meeting, the NAC acknowledged the recent instances of the Nigeria Police interfering in the internal affairs of various unions.
This trend is seen as a violation of union autonomy and a breach of the legal framework that governs labor relations.”
The NLC strongly denounced what it claims to be an unauthorized intervention by the Inspector General of Police in the raid on the NURTW National Secretariat, seemingly with the intention of removing the lawfully elected union leadership and installing an alternate faction.
“The NAC has unequivocally demanded the immediate and unconditional evacuation of the unlawfully occupied NURTW National Secretariat by both the police and the group of individuals involved.
This demand must be fulfilled within 48 hours from the time of the resolution.”
In a bid to ensure openness and responsibility, the NLC has called upon His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to address the allegations associating his name with those responsible for the incursion.
“The NLC stressed that President Tinubu, as a product of democratic processes, should clarify his position and disassociate himself from any involvement in the incident.”
The labor union has also issued a warning of a potential strike if the lawfully elected leadership of the NURTW is not reinstated.
“The resolutions made by the NAC underline its unwavering dedication to upholding democratic values, safeguarding the independence of unions, and ensuring the well-being and rights of workers all over Nigeria.
As the nation closely observes these developments, the NLC remains resolute in its commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian workers and unions, while urging for the swift resolution of the present crisis.”
