Workers Suspend Strike As Imo Govt Bows To Pressure

Imo State governor Hope Uzodimma has surrendered to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as its industrial action entered the sixth day.

The organised labour announced a statewide strike last Wednesday over alleged disruption of the Workers’ Day celebration by suspected agents of the state government.

A temporary injunction prohibiting the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from taking part in any strike in Imo State was issued by the National Industrial Court (NIC) in Owerri. The directive was given on Thursday by Justice Nelson Ogbuanya.

However, it was gathered that the state government has agreed to resolve the issues with the NLC. This was confirmed in a joint statement made available to newsmen in Owerri and signed by the secretary to the state government (SSG) Cosmos Iwu and the attorney-general/commissioner for justice, Barr Cyprian Akolisa.

On the part of the organised labour were Comrade Onyeka Chris for NLC (Headquarters), Comrade Tony Ebaho for TUC (Headquarters), state secretary of NLC, Comrade Anukworji Nduka and state chairman of TUC, Comrade Amalu Charles.

The resolution indicated that the “tripartite representatives of the state government, NLC and the TUC should expeditiously look into and resolve the areas of disagreement and misunderstanding between the government and labour.”

Both parties condemned the circumstances that resulted in the alleged disruption of the May Day celebrations and pledged to ensure peaceful conduct of all NLC and TUC activities in the state.

“Even though it is not at fault, the government looks for solutions to help those who may have experienced losses due to the aforementioned interruptions.

“The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress agree to halt the current strike in Imo State to facilitate the peaceful settlement of any remaining disputes in a spirit of reciprocity.

“Both sides promise not to penalise any employee or official for their actions or inactions resulting from their industrial actions,” they said.