Before the scheduled nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), 65 Civil Society Organisations have withdrawn their support, citing concerns that the strike could incite chaos and worsen the plight of citizens.
The Civil Society Organisations, operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum, also cautioned against following the path of Sudan and advocated for dialogue with the Federal Government instead.
“Any attempt to embark on a nationwide strike during these critical period of hunger and harsh economy could be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements, who have been waiting for the slightest opportunity to unleash terror; disrupt public peace, loot business premises and markets,” the CSOs said.
The NLC declared a nationwide protest set for February 27 and 28, in response to the government’s failure to implement agreements made on October 2 after the removal of the fuel subsidy. This announcement came after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government concerning the pervasive hardship.
The Coalition of CSOs, as revealed in a statement signed by Comrade Buba Ibrahim Mohammed and Comrade George Phillips, the Coordinator and Secretary respectively, emphasized that the planned strike would escalate civil unrest, exacerbate security concerns, and harm the fragile economy.
According the Coalition, “the views gathered from some of their members and citizens across the country were that the labour unions are trying to undermine the current Tinubu led administration and create a process for break down of law and order to score cheap political points.”
“As Civil Society Organisations, we do understand the depth of economic challenges facing the ordinary citizens, especially the workers, but we cannot fold our arms and support a move that will further damage and threaten our peaceful coexistence.”
Although acknowledging the constitutional right of labour unions to make demands and engage in strikes to advocate for their demands, it emphasized the necessity for the NLC and TUC to recognize that Nigeria is already in a precarious situation that must not be exacerbated.
“Part of reasons we have refused to join forces with labour unions to create anarchy and cause more hardship for the people . Instead, we are making frantic efforts to meet with federal government to discuss how to amicably resolve the issues at stake.”
“We recognise the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities,” they added.
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