By Douglas Jones
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has vehemently condemned recent remarks by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who accused the organized labour of committing a treasonable felony by shutting down the national grid during their strike. The NLC’s response, articulated in a statement signed by Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs, asserts that Akume’s comments are not only unfounded but also represent a significant departure from democratic principles.
In the statement, Upah expressed the NLC's profound disappointment. "The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expresses its profound disappointment and strong condemnation of the recent comments made by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) regarding the nationwide strike embarked upon by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC)," he began.
**Accusations of Treasonable Felony**
The NLC took particular issue with Akume’s characterization of their actions as a "treasonable felony" and "economic sabotage." They argued that such statements are deeply troubling and undermine the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues. "The SGF’s characterization of our legitimate and constitutionally protected industrial action as a ‘treasonable felony’ and ‘economic sabotage’ is not only deeply troubling but also undermines the spirit of constructive dialogue necessary for resolving the ongoing issues," Upah noted.
**Clear and Just Demands**
The labour body reiterated that their demands are clear and just, focusing on economic justice and fairness for all Nigerian workers and citizens. These demands include the enactment of a new national minimum wage that reflects the current cost of living, reversing the electricity tariff hike to N65/kWh, and ending the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands.
"The demands of the NLC and TUC are clear and just. We seek the conclusion and signing into law of a new national minimum wage that is in sync with the realities of the cost of living, a reversal of the hike in electricity tariff to N65/kWh, and an end to the discriminatory classification of electricity consumers into bands," the statement read.
**Real Economic Saboteurs Identified**
The NLC did not shy away from identifying those they consider the true economic saboteurs. They highlighted individuals involved in corrupt practices, such as looting the treasury, diverting public resources, and engaging in foreign exchange manipulation, as the real threats to Nigeria’s economy. "Those who loot our treasury, divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools, engage in foreign exchange round-tripping, pad budgets, and inflate contracts are the real economic saboteurs who commit a treasonable felony," Upah asserted.
**Disconnection from Reality**
The NLC criticized Akume for trivializing the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers and highlighted the disconnect between government officials and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. They pointed out the impracticality of Akume's claims about his personal finances, emphasizing that the high cost of living makes his statements seem out of touch.
"His assertion that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers N100,000 monthly is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the government and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians. We may have to remind him that a 50kg bag of rice is N88,000 which leaves the worker with just N12,000 if he is to pay the paltry sum he claims he is unable to pay," the statement said.
**Legal and Civic Right to Strike**
The NLC underscored that strikes are a legal and civic right, essential for holding governance accountable. They stressed that the withdrawal of services is a recognized method worldwide for citizens and workers to press home their interests and prevent the prevalence of dictatorship.
"Strikes are not only legal but also a civic duty. It is a recognized instrument historically and worldwide available to the citizenry and indeed workers to hold governance accountable," the NLC stated.
**Condemnation of Intimidation Tactics**
The NLC condemned recent intimidation tactics, such as the presence of military personnel during negotiations, which they see as a violation of their rights and a threat to democracy. "The events of last week, where labour leaders were surrounded by military personnel during a negotiation exercise in the SGF’s office, were a clear violation of their rights and an intimidation tactic that has no place in a democratic society," the statement added.
**Call for Retraction and Genuine Dialogue**
The NLC called for the SGF to retract his statements and approach the ongoing negotiations with the seriousness and respect they deserve. They urged the government to engage in good faith, free from threats and intimidation, to address the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers.
"We call on the SGF to retract his regrettable statements and to approach the ongoing negotiation with the seriousness and respect it deserves. The path to resolving these issues lies in genuine dialogue and a commitment to addressing the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers," the NLC stated.
**Commitment to Advocacy**
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerian workers, pledging to continue pursuing their demands through all legitimate means. They expressed their dedication to maintaining the trust and confidence placed in them by Nigerian workers and citizens, resisting any attempts at blackmail by the SGF or any other official.
"The NLC remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of all Nigerian workers. We stand firm in our demands and will continue to pursue them through all legitimate means available to us. Our commitment is to Nigeria, Nigerian workers, and people, and this will continue driving our engagement," the statement concluded.
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