Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
There are indications the the on-going indefinite nation wide strike declared by the organised Labour may be suspended any time soon following a fruitful deliberation with the Federal Government.
The parley between the Labour Leaders and representatives of Government held Wednesday at the office of the National Security Adviser to the President, Nuhu Ribadu.
Two Labour Unions, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC; and the Trade Union Congress, TUC, were fully represented at the meeting.
TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, who spoke with newsmen after the parley, said that the Federal Government made several promises as well as appeals which might lead to the suspension of the strike.
He, however, said that the various Labour Leaders would report back to their units the outcome of the meeting for a decision on the next line of action.
Osifo admitted that the deliberation with the Federal Government was fruitful.
“We had a robust conversation where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that was made by the NSA this morning that some people have been apprehended.
“They made several appeals and promises to us so we said let’s go back and reappraise all the conversations we have had and we will communicate accordingly.”
Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong, had earlier in an interview with newsmen, also confirmed that the meeting ended on a positive note.
The former Plateau State Governor who attended the meeting with the Minister of State for Labour, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, said that the Federal Government was expecting a feedback from the Labour Unions after reporting the outcome of the meeting to their constituencies.
“The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.
“All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike,” Lalong said.
Recall that Labour declared nationwide strike following the November 1 assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State.
Labour demands the arrest and prosecution of those behind Ajaero’s attack.
Imo State Government has since denied any involvements in the brutalisation of the NLC President despite allegations that his attackers were led by a serving Government official.
