* Condemns Attack On Workers In Kaduna State
By: Mayen Etim
KADUNA, North-West, Nigeria – The National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, has said Nigerians must respect democratic values, imbibe political tolerance and shin all tendencies of politics of “do or die”.
Even as he called on the political class and Nigerians to always put the interest of the nation above other interests especially as the 2019 electioneering year is fast approaching.
The Union boss stated this in his speech to mark the 2018 Labour Day in Kaduna on Tuesday, May 1, 2018.
Wabba advised the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) to work assiduously to ensure free, fair and transparent elections, saying the electoral umpire should provide a level playing ground for all political actors.
“Politicians must avoid overheating the polity as we approach 2019 general elections. The labour movement calls on the political class to play the game according to the rules – avoid inflammatory comments, handle differences with decorum and restrain their supporters from resorting to self-help and violence,” he said.
Comrade Wabba also condemned the recent violation of workers and trade union’s rights by Kaduna State Government, saying the foundation of democracy in any society is respect for the rule of law, human right and dignity, hence, the State Government need to adhere to it.
In his speech titled: “Role of Labour Movement in National Development: Dare to Struggle, Dare to Win”, Wabba said the deployment of over eight thousand security agencies to stop workers’ protest in Kaduna protesting their illegal sack is an aberration and undemocratic especially in a situation where government sponsored protests in Kaduna are held regularly.
He said in a situation where over forty-thousand workers from various ministries, departments and agencies, tertiary institutions and local governments were issued sack letters without respect of Labour law and court’s pronouncement is a plot of avoiding the payment of terminal benefits of the workers.
This according to him is an act of cruelty and inhumanity to fellow humans and citizens.
“Also condemnable, is the desperate attempt by the Kaduna State Government to deny the sack workers and the trade unions their fundamental right to protest. The right of citizens to peaceful protest is a universal constitutional right that cannot be denied or wished away.
“The only requirement according to our legal jurisprudence is to inform police or coverage. No permission is required nor prior approval from the security services.
“Workers could recall that in 2012 when El-Rufai felt threatened by policies of the then government, he wore a T-shirt ans join organized labour protest from Berger Junction in Abuja. We remind Governor El-Rufai that no condition is permanent,” he said.
However, the workers day celebration in Kaduna state was low key as workers remain indoors, it was also devoid of regular match past and cerebrations.