By: Nwakaji Martins
Merely a day after accusing the leadership of labor unions of treason for the shutdown of the power grid during a two-day nationwide strike, Senate President Godswill Akpabio faced criticism. During a session on Tuesday, Akpabio explicitly stated that the shutdown of the national grid was more of an act of economic sabotage rather than an expression of the need for a new minimum wage or the disruption of hajj flights. He proceeded to mention that such an occurrence would not be tolerated in the future, as laws against it would be incorporated into the new National Minimum Wage Act following the submission of a bill by the executive. However, in a statement released yesterday, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) expressed discontent with Akpabio’s comments and urged him to issue an immediate apology.
Benson Upah, the head of Information and Public Affairs at NLC, described Akpabio’s remarks as troubling in the statement. “The NLC vehemently rejects Akpabio’s recent allegations that the indefinite nationwide strike by NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) constitutes economic sabotage. Such allegations are unfounded and deeply concerning for Nigerian patriots and proponents of democracy,” the labour union stated.
The union clarified that the strike initiated on June 3 was in response to the Federal Government’s refusal to conclude national minimum wage negotiations, reverse electricity tariff increases, and eliminate discriminatory consumer classifications. “This legally-sanctioned strike reflects the frustrations of Nigerian workers facing economic challenges and worsening working conditions. Akpabio’s statements undermine the democratic values that the Senate claims to uphold.
The National Assembly, as the branch of government closest to the people, should comprehend the sentiments of the people. This should guide their actions and statements accordingly. “Strikes are not only lawful but also a civic responsibility and a crucial mechanism for holding those in positions of authority accountable. It is a democratic right that is essential for preventing dictatorship and societal breakdown. “For the past 25 years, the political elite have deliberately sabotaged Nigeria through corruption and abuse of power, not the workers. The true economic saboteurs are those who embezzle national resources, not the labor force.”
NLC urged other elected members of the National Assembly to distance themselves from Akpabio’s detrimental comments. “We, therefore, implore patriotic members of the Senate and the House of Representatives to disassociate themselves from these detrimental comments. Nigerian workers have the constitutional right to strike in response to unfair labor practices, and the NLC and TUC have exercised this right lawfully. “The economic issues that sparked the strike, such as electricity tariff increases and unjust consumer classifications, are burdens that worsen poverty and inequality but are shielded from by the political elite. The NLC will continue to advocate for fair economic policies and a realistic national minimum wage. “Labor unions played a pivotal role in the restoration of democracy in Nigeria, from which current lawmakers benefit, therefore they should not undermine it.
The NLC remains dedicated to safeguarding workers’ rights and calls on government officials to address the underlying issues that led to the strike-through constructive dialogue and genuine efforts to enhance living standards rather than engaging in superficial criticism. “The Senate president should be alarmed by the militarization of a purely trade union dispute instead of engaging in this unproductive blame game. Those who are calling in the military now should remember the consequences in the future. Nigerian workers cannot function under military conditions in a democracy, and we will oppose this with all our might. Taking action promptly will prevent another wave of industrial disputes.
“The Senate president’s veiled threat to convene an executive session to address our strike reeks of disdain for open and transparent deliberation, which should be the foundation of parliamentary proceedings. As he enters the ‘coven’, the Senate president should recognize that the right to strike has been affirmed by the International Labour Organization, despite Simon Lalong, the Minister of Labor, voting against it. “We urge him to reconsider his stance and acknowledge that he is the president of the Senate, not the chairman of the Supreme Military Council of Nigeria. “We are open to dialogue with the government for sustainable solutions that benefit all Nigerians and expect proactive measures to prevent anti-worker policies. We will not be intimidated by such regrettable statements from the esteemed chambers of the Senate and anticipate a formal apology if it was an oversight. “Any effort to undermine legitimate labor actions will not be tolerated by us.”
