By Joan Nwagwu, Monday Ijeh
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) say
they will stage a peaceful solidarity rally on Feb. 3 in support of the Joint Union
Action Committee (JUAC).
The unions announced this in a joint statement signed by Mr Benson Upah,
General Secretary of the NLC, and Mr Nuhu Toro, Secretary General of the TUC,
in Abuja.
The solidarity is in support of the strike by Federal Capital Development Authority
(FCDA) workers, led by JUAC, over unpaid salaries.
Workers under JUAC commenced an indefinite strike on Jan. 19, shutting down
key administrative offices, including the FCTA Secretariat and the FCDA.
The strike followed the expiration of a seven-day ultimatum issued on Jan. 7,
demanding that the FCTA management address long-standing labour and welfare
grievances.
According to union, the rally is to reaffirm labour’s collective resolve that an injury
to one worker remains an injury to all within the Nigerian labour movement.
“The action will send a clear message that labour will resist all forms of
intimidation and injustice against workers,” they said.
The unions said the struggle was legitimate, non-negotiable and would be
sustained until justice was achieved, adding that their support for JUAC members
remained total and unwavering.
They urged JUAC members to remain steadfast, courageous and united in the
defence of their rights.
The NLC and TUC said the planned rally was aimed at demonstrating collective
resistance against injustice.
They added that the peaceful action would be directed to the Federal Capital
Development Authority (FCDA), insisting the rally would be lawful and peaceful.
They directed all affiliates and state councils to mobilise members massively for
the rally, adding that intimidation and repression would not weaken workers’
resolve.
They reiterated that workers’ rights were never given but won through collective
struggle.
The unions assured workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that they would
not be abandoned.
Meanwhile, the Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has
appealed to the FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its
planned strike slated for Feb. 3.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, made the
appeal in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
She said the appeal followed intelligence reports of possible infiltration and
hijacking of the peaceful protest by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement
of Nigeria and other non-state actors.
“In the overriding interest of public safety, the Police Command in the FCT
respectfully appeals to the organisers of the protest to consider rescheduling the
activity to a later date and time.
“This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order. It is also to
ensure that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the
conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon,” she said.
Adeh added that the appeal was in recognition of the constitutional rights of
citizens to peaceful assembly and protest and pledged the commitment of the
command to providing adequate security for all lawful activities.
