JUST IN: NLC, TUC Announce Nationwide Strike Beginning November 14

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has declared a nationwide strike set to commence on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. This decision was reached following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting held on Tuesday in Abuja.

The two major labor unions, NLC and TUC, have initiated nationwide mobilization of their members and allies in preparation for the forthcoming strike. The move comes in the wake of recent events that have sparked outrage within the Organized Labour community.

The trigger for this nationwide action was the brutalization of NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, which occurred last week in Imo State. This incident has caused widespread consternation, and Organized Labour has publicly accused the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Barde, of being complicit in the assault on Ajaero, which took place in Owerri, the capital of Imo State.

In response to this incident, Organized Labour issued a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the replacement of the Police Commissioner, Mohammed Barde. Additionally, Governor Hope Uzodimma, who is currently seeking re-election, has been held under scrutiny by the labor unions, although the governor has categorically denied any involvement in the attack on the labor leader.

Organized Labour has gone further to call for the arrest and prosecution of certain aides of Governor Uzodimma. They have also issued a stark warning, declaring their intention to embark on a nationwide industrial strike if their demands are not swiftly met.

In a bid to address the situation, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, took the step of redeploying Mohammed Barde on Sunday, citing the need for “neutrality” as a critical factor, considering the upcoming governorship election scheduled for November 11, 2023, in Imo State.

The nation watches with bated breath as this unfolding situation between Organized Labour and the government continues to evolve.