How NLC, TUC’s accord with FG shortchanged Nigerians, by HURIWA

• Resist harsh policies, group tells masses as APC hails labour, government truce
• Kaduna chapter heeds directive to shelve protest

A civil rights advocacy group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has declared that the accord between the Federal Government and organised labour was a deliberate attempt to shortchange Nigerians.

  It urged the masses to fight for their rights giving the hardship the hike in fuel price and electricity tariff had inflicted on the people because the labour unions represented only the interests of paid workers who are less than 19 per cent of Nigeria’s population.

 Reacting to the suspension of the planned nationwide strike and protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), HURIWA accused the unions of betrayal of the trust the masses accorded them.

    “The idea that organised labour told Nigerians that the intention for the suspended, but never intended strike was to defend the interests of the oppressed masses was a ruse.

   “That they sneaked into Abuja to strike an accord with the Federal Government is the height of betrayal similar to the depravity of Judas Iscariot in the Holy Scriptures,” it stated.

  HURIWA recalled that the suspension was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by labour leaders and Federal Government’s representatives and read by Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige at the end of the meeting that lasted about seven hours.

  Also, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has urged the masses to send a strong message to the government that its strangulating policies were unacceptable.

 Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, therefore, called for a grassroots movement that would not only resist bad policies, but also work to ensure good governance in Nigeria.

  Besides, the All Progressives Congress (APC) commended suspension of the nationwide strike on Monday following Federal Government’s agreement with labour unions.

    In a statement issued by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, it pointed out that the development was in line with the vision of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, which it said, had always prioritised the welfare and interest of the masses in its policy decisions and implementation.

  Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Council of NLC has urged all its affiliates to heed the directive of the national body and wait for further instructions from the National Working Committee (NWC).

  The unions had suspended the strike and rally after a meeting in Abuja and resolved to review their decision within two weeks to see if government would comply with the agreement reached with them.