Presidency Rejects Nationwide Strike, Points Finger at Ajaero for Imo Attack

In response to the organized labour’s call for a nationwide strike following the assault on Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the presidency has strongly criticized the move. The organised labour, comprising the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC), instructed all affiliated unions to enforce resolutions made during the joint National Executive Council meeting of TUC and NLC, effective from midnight on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

Festus Osifo, President of TUC, stated at Labour House that the strike would persist until “governments at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”

However, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement on Monday night characterizing the strike decision as an attempt to blackmail the government. Onanuga emphasized the unjustifiability of the strike, citing its potential to cause undue hardship.

The statement highlighted the issuance of a restraining order by Justice Benedict Backwash Kanyip of the National Industrial Court, which the NLC and TUC allegedly disregarded. Onanuga expressed bewilderment over the labour unions’ decision to impose a nationwide strike over a personal matter involving Joe Ajaero, emphasizing that the incident in Owerri was a result of Ajaero’s plan to incite workers in Imo State into an unnecessary strike.

While condemning any form of violence, the statement acknowledged the Inspector General of Police’s order for an investigation into the assault on Ajaero. It also noted the transfer of the Imo State Commissioner of Police under whose watch the incident occurred.

The presidency reiterated that the strike action is illegal, immoral, unjustifiable, and irresponsible, emphasizing the need to avoid using power to settle personal scores. The statement concluded by characterizing the strike notice as designed for a sinister agenda to cause undue hardship and civil disturbance, labeling it as unacceptable.