The Nigeria Labour Congress has condemned the occupation of the national secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers by thugs, who were allegedly accompanied by policemen.
NLC, in a communiqué issued after its Emergency National Administrative Council meeting on Monday, kicked against the alleged involvement of the Nigerian Police in the invasion of NURTW national secretariat in Abuja.
The labour body stated, “The NAC acknowledged the recent history of the Nigeria Police’s involvement in the internal affairs of various unions, which it views as an infringement on the autonomy of union operations and a violation of the legal framework governing industrial relations.”
It condemned an alleged interference by the Inspector General of Police in the invasion of the NURTW National Secretariat, “intending to oust the legally elected union leadership and install an alternative faction”.
“NAC unequivocally demanded the swift and unconditional evacuation of the illegally occupied NURTW National Secretariat by both the police and the group of thugs. This demand is to be fulfilled within 48 hours from the time of the resolution.
“In a move to ensure transparency and accountability, the NLC called upon His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to respond to the allegations linking his name to those responsible for the invasion,” it noted.
The NLC emphasised that President Tinubu, as a product of democracy, should clarify his stance and distance himself from any involvement in the incident.
The labour union threatened a strike if the elected NURTW leadership was not reinstated.
“The NAC’s resolutions reflect its commitment to upholding democratic principles, protecting the autonomy of unions, and ensuring the safety and rights of workers across Nigeria.
“As the nation watches the developments closely, the NLC remains steadfast in its dedication to safeguarding the interests of Nigerian workers and unions while urging for the immediate resolution of the crisis in question,” it stated.
