The Labour centre described the action as a huge success.
In a communiqué at the end of a two-hour meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC), the congress said it was ready to return to the negotiating table to discuss the issues that led to the strike and other burning issues affecting the welfare of workers.
It said in calling the action, it expected challenges from both within and outside the congress and was not surprised by government’s negative response, adding that it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and courage to identify its mission.
The communiqué signed by the President of Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba and the General Secretary, Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson however said it will continue to resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes of government and will always act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.
The congress urged the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening democracy.
It commended National leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for their intervention and asked the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
The Communiqué reads: “An emergency meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) held today, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at Bolton White Hotels, Abuja on the on-going protest action against the increase in pump price of petroleum products and hike in electricity tariff.
“NEC reviewed the protest action and its impact across the nation, noting the sacrifices of its members, response of the generality of Nigerians, government’s attitude and the brutality of the police in some states. NEC took special notice of the Ebonyi State Police Command where our members were intimidated, harassed, arrested and detained unjustly.
“After an exhaustive deliberation, NEC noted its protest action was informed by the twin issues of the unjustified and illegal hike in electricity tariff and increase in the pump price of petroleum products. NEC adjudged the protest action to be a success in spite of both internal and external challenges.
“NEC reiterated the correctness of its position on the twin-issues of electricity tariff hike and astronomical increase in the pump price of PMS and the hardship they portend for Nigerian masses.
“NEC also acknowledged that the temptation to compare the strike action with that of 2012 could be compelling but that the scenario had changed as both the actors and the terrain were different.
“NEC said before it had embarked on the action, it had anticipated a probable outcome and therefore was not surprised by government’s negative response. Nonetheless, it felt fulfilled by having the presence of mind and courage to identify its mission and fulfilling it, stressing that if a similar situation arises again, it will still rise and stand with the people.
“NEC therefore commended those who took part in the action in one way or the other and reaffirm its commitment to the struggle. The action, it reiterated was taken in the best interest of the poor and the weak and in drawing government’s attention to the dangers of relying on importation of petroleum products as a sustainable strategy for making available petroleum products. It expressed the belief that in the days ahead, time would prove its position right.
“Congress singled out for commendation, its state councils, affiliates and other patriotic Nigerians who at very short notice picked up the gauntlet for this struggle. Congress commends the leadership of the National Assembly and All Progressives Congress led by Senator Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
“In consideration of the above, NEC after due consultation with its constituents resolved to suspend with immediate effect, the action it commenced on Wednesday, May 18, 2016. The action is thus hereby suspended.
“Congress will resume negotiations with government on the twin issues of the hike in electricity tariff and an increase in the pump price of petroleum products and any other issue that may arise thereof.
“It similarly remains committed to genuine dialogue within the framework of internationally established and recognized principles of representation.
“The Congress will continue to resist wrong legislations, policies and programmes and will always act in the best interest of Nigerians as it remains the only pan Nigerian organisation not affected by religion, region, creed, partisanship or primordial sentiments.”
“The Congress urges the government to play by the rules in its engagement with its constituent parts, stakeholders and non-state actors as proof of its commitment to deepening our democracy and also in acknowledgment of the well-worn credo that what goes around, comes around.
“The Congress also urges the citizenry to be vigilant at all times as the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. The Congress commends all Nigerians for their understating and support”. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Good moves! This government had so starve people that the strength to come out to protest is not there. Let's give them one year to see how this subsidy removal will improve the lives of an average Nigerian- El MATOSKY inclusive.
ReplyDeleteSai Buhariiiii
DeleteThe leadership of the NLC has become rubbish over the past few years as they have meddled in politics to enrich themselves through PDP. Now they say we should starve and go on strike when they are busy enjoying themselves in ill-gotten wealth. Let the extremely low turnout serve as warning to the leadership of NLC that the masses are well aware that they have been massively compromised and are clearly in leadership for their personal gain, even though I doubt they would even care. They are calling off the strike - which the masses didn't respond to - because another faction among them has double-crossed the president and is taking advantage of the crisis to oust the current leader by continuing talks with the govt, all still for personal gain. Hopeless NLC.
DeleteSS the Buharimaniac troll is at it again !
DeleteComrades of Weak Acceptors of Bribe, Beggars, and Assholes (Comrade Wabba)
DeleteThere had been no strike, NLC suspended the supposed strike to avoid further shame and embarrassment.
ReplyDeleteThis is a loss to the Nigerian pple. Nigerians failed NLC leadership n we will all live to reap wat we've sown
ReplyDeleteNwaokobia,you will be the one to reap from your foolish perception of reality. How can you embark on strike when against all logic the only way to revamp the economy and to alleviate the poverty people go through is deregulation? The problem with black race is inordinate desire for immediate gratification without any willingness for sacrifice today for a better tomorrow.do you guys think that Europe and America were built on cheap talk or wishful thinking? Please get some education about your economy and the way forward. Discard those beer parlour analysis and stop reading junks from any yeye blog,
ReplyDeleteYou are the one with foolish perceptions. We must not all have the same opinion. Idiot! Did you bother to read this news story or you just saw the headline and looked for a comment to attack? Why didn't you, the great economist address the electricity tariff increase too? We were told that the increased tariff will make it possible for supply to be less epileptic. As I type this, I haven't had light for months in an area we enjoyed at least 22hrs of power supply daily. Before you troll someone, use you thinking faculties. and YES NLC have failed Nigerians. Why go on strike and abandon the negotiating table? Do you know how many wars England and America fought before they got where they are? Please don't also forget that apart from the red Indians, every other person on american soil is a foreigner. Was it that good in their respective countries before they left? Or is that what "the black race" should do to win your approval? Look who's trying to educate someone. I'm so ticked off
DeleteAnother big blow to the wailing wailers! They would have loved to see Nigerians protesting on the streets like Biafrans, calling for GEJ their messiah to come back as king of kings but sorry, Nigerians are wiser.
ReplyDeleteVictory for commonsense. Strike is not needed.
ReplyDeleteGood, Nigerians are now reasoning to join the developed nations.we will be victorious by God's grace.
ReplyDelete