Last night, organized labor temporarily halted the indefinite strike initiated on Tuesday in response to the assault on Joe Ajaero, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress, in Imo State on November 1,Daily Trust reports.
The strike had severely impacted government and business operations in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and various states. Following an extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, labor leaders decided to suspend the strike, influenced by the intervention of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.
The General Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employee (AUPCTRE), Sikiru Waheed, conveyed the decision, stating, “We shall give him time to coordinate the investigations as promised.”
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Governor Mohammed apologized for the assault on Ajaero, urging labor to reconsider its stance. Both the Senate and House of Representatives passed motions condemning the attack and requesting the end of the strike. Ribadu assured that the assailants had been apprehended, and investigations were underway.
In a statement, the Office of the National Security Adviser expressed concern over the nationwide strike, emphasizing its potential adverse effects on ordinary Nigerians and strategic national interests. The NSA regretted the assault on Ajaero, promising a thorough investigation and public disclosure of the findings.
After a meeting with the NSA and government officials, the president of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo, announced that the conversation would be taken to labor’s organs for further consideration. The Senate resolved to summon an emergency meeting with labor leaders, while the House of Representatives decided to collaborate with the Senate to engage the NLC and end the strike.
The Senate’s motion, presented by Senator Abdul Ningi, condemned the attack on Ajaero, asserting his right to participate in Imo State’s electioneering process. The House Chief Whip, Usman Bello Kumo, stressed the need for intervention to alleviate the suffering of Nigerians and prevent further hardships resulting from the strike.
