Labour Protest: 65 CSO’s Pull Out, Say Protest Could Lead To Anarchy

Ahead of the planned nationwide strike by Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), 65 Civil Society Organisations have pulled out, saying the strike might stir up anarchy and cause more hardship on citizens.

The Civil Society Organisations under the aegis of Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum has also called for dialogue with the government instead of embarking on the strike.

“Any attempt to embark on a nationwide strike during these critical periods of hunger and a harsh economy could be hijacked by hoodlums and criminal elements, who have been waiting for the slightest opportunity to unleash terror; disrupt public peace, loot business premises and markets,” 

The Coalition of the CSOs which disclosed this in a statement jointly signed by Comrade Buba Ibrahim Mohammed and Comrade George Phillips, the Coordinator and Secretary, insisted that the strike action will only stir up civil unrest and further worsen the already bad security situation as well as damage the fragile economy.

For the Coalition, the views gathered from some of their members and citizens across the country were that the labour unions are trying to undermine the current Tinubu led administration and create a process for breakdown of law and order to score cheap political points.”

“As Civil Society Organisations, we do understand the depth of economic challenges facing the ordinary citizens, especially the workers, but we cannot fold our arms and support a move that will further damage and threaten our peaceful coexistence.”

The group, while recognizing labour’s  power to make demands, maintained that NLC and TUC should know that Nigeria is already sitting on a keg of gunpowder that must not be allowed to explode.

“Part of the reason we have refused to join forces with labour unions is to avoid creating anarchy and cause more hardship for the people. Instead, we are making frantic efforts to meet with the federal government to discuss how to amicably resolve the issues at stake.”

“We recognise the importance of addressing labour-related concerns and advocating for workers’ rights, we kindly urge the labour unions to explore alternative means of dialogue and negotiation with the relevant authorities,”