COMMUNIQUÉ OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL (NEC) MEETING OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS (NLC) HELD ON THE 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 2024
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) convened an emergency meeting today, the 7th of August 2024, to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the severe hardship, deprivation, and hunger afflicting our nation. These dire conditions generated and exacerbated by the ill-conceived and poorly implemented policies of the federal government, which have led to widespread discontent and the ongoing nationwide mass protests tagged #EndBadGovernance, which commenced on the 1st of August, 2024.
OBSERVATIONS AND CONCERNS:
The NEC-in-session noted that Government cannot hope to stop a democratic protest by threatening the people who are already losing their lives by the unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters by the Police but by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue.
It reminded the federal Government that NLC had warned it before now of the consequences of heeding the anti-poor advise of the World Bank and IMF when it announced the subsidy is gone statement in May, 2023. It further noted that NLC had alerted the government of the ensuing hardship and general unworkability of their projection without putting adequate safeguards in place to mitigate the suffering that their policies were bound to heap upon the populace but was rebuffed by government’s huge propaganda.
The NEC noted that NLC saw the massive poverty. Saw the ensuing hunger. Saw the danger in ignoring the people. Saw the reaction of the people. Also saw the organic mobilizing power of hunger and wanton deprivation. Unfortunately, the federal government never agreed with NLC but chose the route of insults and name – calling alluding to some phantom political motives and none existent primordial considerations.
It further noted that sadly at this stage, it has also unfortunately seen the same posturing of name-calling and allusion to some invisible political intents in the whole protests. We want to quickly inform the President that this would not work. Even if it works today, it will not work tomorrow. The people are hungry and lives are no longer secure in the nation. Hope that used to be the last bastion for Nigerians which had made them resilient in the face of difficulties has been dashed and taken away with great impunity by the Government that promised hope. Thus, NEC makes the following observations;
Mass Protests and Government Response:
The NEC is deeply troubled by the government’s high-handed and mismanaged response to the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests. Instead of addressing the legitimate and fundamental grievances of the people, the government has resorted to violence, resulting in the killing and maiming of several civilians by the police in many parts of the country. This defies reason especially when what the people are demanding is that government takes step to lighten their burden which was an affliction brought upon them by the policies of the federal government.
Trivialisation of Treasonable Felony:
The NEC-in-session condemns the continuous trivialisation of Treasonable felony by Government operatives. Its constant use in every situation abuses and makes a mockery of it as a high crime against the state. It was surprised at the vociferous outpouring of venom by the Military chiefs against protesters wielding flags in expression of hunger and wished that the same dexterity with which they made their pronouncements was also deployed in combating the insurgents and terrorists that have held various parts of our nation captive wielding weapons.
Human Rights Violations:
The NEC condemns in the strongest terms the human rights violations perpetrated by security forces against peaceful protesters. The right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, and its suppression through violence is unacceptable. The attempt to criminalize protest is completely deplorable especially in a democracy. The hiring and use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda in an effort to scuttle the protests is most unfortunate.
Government’s Meddlesomeness:
The NEC – in – session also frowns strongly at the unwarranted use of subterfuge on the Congress by the Government through the federal ministry of Labour as it concerns our Rights to political participation. It noted the unprofessional and unethical conduct of the Minister of labour through the Registrar of Trade Unions in wilfully misdirecting a politically motivated letter to NLC. It is tendentious, mischievous and provocative.
NEC – IN – SESSION THEREFORE REACHED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS:
In light of the foregoing, the NEC resolves as follows:
Demand for Policy Reversal:
The NLC demands the reversal of all the ill-conceived policies that have led to the current economic crisis. The government must implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.
Call for a Day of Mourning:
NEC – in – Session mandates the national leadership to decide on the day NLC will set aside as a National Day of Mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.
Call for Accountability:
The NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters. Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families. All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in Government’s gulag must be freed without delay.
Dialogue and Engagement:
The NEC-in-session urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake to end the national carnage. This is to avoid NLC being compelled direct its members to stay home for the safety of their lives.
Immediate Relief Measures:
The government must implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace. This includes the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets in a way that it would reach the people and not hijacked by politicians.
Stop Politically motivated Meddling:
The NEC – in – Session calls on the federal government to restrain its officials especially the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions from colluding with retrogressive political elements seeking to abridge our rights as workers and trade unions to political participation. We demand the immediate withdrawal of that intrusive and misplaced unsolicited advice from the Registrar of Trade Unions to avert industrial crisis as the Congress and its affiliates will stop recognising and relating with him.
Strengthening Solidarity:
The NEC finally calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance. Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability.
CALL TO ACTION:
In conclusion, the NEC directs all workers across the country to:
Continue To Keep themselves safe in the midst of the Protests:
Continue to take measures to protect themselves as the masses try to make their voices heard. We must maintain our commitment to non-violence and ensure that our actions are lawful and disciplined as the people protest.
The NLC remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that justice, equity, and good governance prevail in our nation.
Comrade Joe Ajaero Emmanuel Ugboaja Esq. mni
President General Secretary