NLC condemns unlawful invasion of NURTW Secretariat

By Joan Nwagwu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the reprehensible incursion into the National Secretariat of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) by alleged thugs and hooligans.

Mr. Joe Ajaero, the President of the NLC, and Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, jointly articulated their concerns in an official statement issued on Monday in Abuja.

They revealed that these thugs were purportedly accompanied by individuals wearing police uniforms.

Ajaero conveyed these sentiments as part of a resolution that emerged following an emergency gathering of the National Administrative Council (NAC) convened on Monday in Abuja.

He expounded that this resolution transpired after exhaustive discussions during the NAC session regarding the unlawful intrusion into the NURTW National Secretariat.

“NAC-in-session has consequently decided to insist on the immediate evacuation of the unlawfully occupied national secretariat of the NURTW by both the Police and the thugs within a period of 48 hours from the time of this declaration.

‘Additionally, we call for President Bola Tinubu, a democratic figurehead, to clarify his stance, which is currently being manipulated by those responsible for these acts of aggression and disregard for constitutional order, to prevent any further derailment of democracy.”

“Furthermore, in the absence of prompt action, the Nigerian workforce under the guidance of the NLC will be compelled to rally its various affiliates in support of the duly elected NURTW leadership and its members across the nation.”

Ajaero highlighted that the Nigeria Police have, in recent times, exhibited a history of meddling in the internal affairs of not only the NURTW but also other unions. He lamented that the police have, in fact, encroached upon the domain of arbitration in labor disputes, a stance contradictory to the norms prescribed by the nation’s industrial relations framework.

“The Inspector General of Police (IGP) appears to have acquiesced to the invasion of the national Secretariat, apparently aimed at ousting a legitimately elected leadership and installing a puppet figure within the Union, all without any semblance of legal directive.”

“It’s important to recognize the presence of a democratically elected leadership within the NURTW, led by Comrade Tajudeen Baruwa.”

Ajaero underscored the impending threat of violence and turmoil in response to this illicit course of action. He stated that the prospect of a nationwide shutdown becomes increasingly conceivable in light of these anti-democratic proceedings.

He emphasised the immediate need to avert further escalation.

NAN