The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Rivers State have suspended their planned protest over the ongoing police blockade at local government area secretariats. The suspension follows reports that some individuals intended to incite violence while posing as labor members.
What They Are Saying
At a joint press briefing in Port Harcourt on Sunday, NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor urged the police to apprehend anyone protesting under the unions’ name on Monday. He advised members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), who initially proposed the protest, to wait for further instructions from the labor centers.
During an initial meeting on Friday, the joint union addressed major issues affecting the state. Agwanwor acknowledged the police’s efforts to maintain peace but emphasized that denying workers access to their offices was a breach of their rights. He called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to instruct the Rivers State Commissioner of Police to allow workers to access their offices and perform their legitimate duties.
The labor groups warned that if their appeal is ignored, they will mobilize their members to reclaim their offices.
Bottom Line
The NLC and TUC have postponed their protest to prevent potential violence and are seeking intervention from higher authorities to restore workers’ access to their offices. They remain committed to protecting their members’ rights and are prepared to take further action if necessary.
