The leadership of the Senate has made an appeal to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its decision to go on strike and protest over the state of the nation. Following the expiration of the seven-day ultimatum given to the federal government to reverse “anti-poor” and “insensitive” policies, members of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) staged a protest in Abuja on Wednesday, during which they pulled down the gate leading into the National Assembly Complex and chanted solidarity songs.
To address the situation, the Senate resolved to meet with the NLC’s leadership and urged them to suspend the impending strike on petrol subsidy removal to allow for continued negotiations with the federal government.
Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, addressed the protesters and called on the NLC to give the upper legislative chamber a chance to be part of the negotiations to resolve the crisis. He assured them that the Senate is closely following the developments and had already passed a motion on the labor crisis before commencing the ministerial screening.
Ndume emphasized that the NLC should be negotiating with either the President or the Vice President, or an acceptable representation if they are unavailable due to their schedules. He urged the NLC to have confidence in the National Assembly and give them a chance to be involved in the negotiation process.
He made a passionate plea for the NLC to call off the strike and give the Senate one week to report progress. Ndume assured the protesters that if they are not satisfied with the progress made, they can take appropriate action afterward.
In essence, the Senate is seeking an opportunity to play a role in the negotiations between the NLC and the federal government, urging the labor union to reconsider their stance and have faith in the National Assembly’s involvement in finding a resolution to the ongoing crisis.
