Group accuses NLC of misusing strike threats over security issues

The Tinubu Stakeholders Forum (TSF) has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for what it describes as an attempt to blackmail the government by threatening to shut down the economy over security concerns that do not directly affect the workforce.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Ahmad Sajoh, and Secretary, Afolabi Joshua, the TSF argued that the NLC has no valid grounds to issue a strike threat over a matter that is strictly related to security and not labor. The group claimed that the NLC’s actions indicate a growing trend of condoning criminality and undermining the rule of law.

“The recent threat by the National Executive Council of one of the major labor centers in Nigeria speaks volumes about how criminality is being condoned and gradually becoming normalized in the country,” the statement read. “It is surprising that the power of strike is being used to oppose a legitimate request by security agencies for the NLC to account for matters of national security.”

The TSF explained that the NLC leadership was invited to answer questions regarding an alleged security breach within their premises. The Labour House, also known as Pascal Bafyau House, is managed by the NLC but is home to multiple tenants. The TSF emphasized that when a tenant is involved in a legal issue, the landlord’s property does not offer protection from law enforcement, unless it is a foreign embassy, which the Labour House is not.

“Security agencies have every right to ask a landlord for information about a tenant under investigation,” the TSF stated. “Every responsible landlord should be willing to cooperate with law enforcement to either confirm suspicions or clear a wrongfully accused tenant.”

The TSF also questioned the NLC’s reaction to a police raid at the complex, which was unrelated to the NLC’s operations. The group accused the NLC of misleading the public by suggesting the raid was aimed at arresting its officials, even though the raid targeted a tenant who is now a fugitive.

“They knew the raid had nothing to do with the area of the complex they occupy, their officials, or their staff. They were aware the raid targeted their tenant. Why, then, did they mislead Nigerians by claiming the visit was to arrest them?” the TSF questioned. “And when it became clear that the security operatives were not after them, why did they not immediately correct the misinformation?”

The TSF urged the NLC to provide the necessary information regarding the tenant under investigation and criticized the labor union for threatening a strike over a security matter. “To threaten a strike over a straightforward security issue, where they are expected to cooperate, appears to be an attempt to obstruct justice,” the group added.

The TSF concluded by calling on the NLC to cease using strike threats as a tool to protect its leadership from accountability, emphasizing that such actions do not serve the interests of Nigerian workers. “The NLC leadership must be held accountable for any breach of national security within their premises and must provide information about the fugitive tenant who is currently on the run,” the TSF stated.