The Presidency, has said that the nationwide strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is “unwarranted”, arguing that it is an attempt to blackmail the government.
This was contained in a statement dated November 13, issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, noting that the strike proceeded despite a restriction order by the National Industrial Court.
The statement read in part, “This decision by the NLC and TUC other than being an ego tripping move is clearly unwarranted. It is an attempt to blackmail the government by the leadership of the NLC.
“We are still at a loss as to why the NLC and TUC decided to punish a whole country of over 200million people over a personal matter involving the NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, whose error of judgment led to assault on him in Owerri while he was planning to incite the workers in Imo State into a needless strike.
“Our national economy and social activities should not suffer because of the personal interest of any labour leader.
“This flagrant disobedience to court order and lack of respect for the judiciary should not be what the organized Labour would champion.
“The labour movement has always been a champion of rule of law and respect for the judiciary. It is a sad irony that the current labour leaders have shown disdain and utter disregard for court order.”
