NLC strike: Shehu Sani warns FG against intimidating Labour leaders
– Senator Shehu Sani warned the federal government against intimidating the Nigerian Labour Congress and its leaders
– He condemned the government for “campaign of calumny and blackmail” against the NLC that has embarked on a nationwide protest
– Sani stressed that the NLC has the right to protest or opt for a dialogue with the government or not
“Increase in pump price of petroleum products does nothing other than add to the suffering of Nigerians.”
Shehu Sani, the senator representing Kaduna Central senatorial district, has warned the federal government against intimidating the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its leaders, who have embarked on a nationwide protest against the increase in petrol price.
He also condemned the government for “campaign of calumny and blackmail” against the NLC that has been standing by the masses over the years.
Premium Times reports that the senator made a statement on Wednesday, May 18, after the government vowed to implement a no-work-no-pay policy and threatened “appropriate response by the law enforcement agencies” against union leaders.
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Reacting to the government’s threat, Sani noted that the NLC has the right to protest or opt for a dialogue or not.
“Campaign of calumny and blackmail against the NLC and Labour leaders simply for speaking out and standing up for their traditional constituents must stop.
“We joined and applauded the NLC for leading a mass protest against increase in pump prices of petroleum products in the past.
“It’s hypocritical to condemn them now for their principled stand on same issue. Our quests for justice and equity must not depend upon the government or persons in power but must depend upon the matters of principles at hand,” he said.
Calling for democracy, the senator stressed that “the cloud of intimidation and blackmail” against people who are not afraid to express their objections must end.
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“We must learn to tolerate views and positions different from our own no matter how unpopular. If we must all agree on all issues at all times, democracy couldn’t have been ‘invented’. Democracy guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to free speech and to objection and this must be respected,” he said.
Sani noted that those who support the government’s decision to increase petrol price have the same right as those opposed to it.
“Increase in pump price of petroleum products does nothing other than add to the suffering of Nigerians but those in support of it have the constitutional rights to revere their chains. Unjust policies must not be beclouded by political interests and political convenience,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Church in Nigeria has called on the labour to have a rethink on their plan to go on strike as it may throw the nation into chaos.
It also urged Nigerians to give the federal government the benefit of the doubt as such difficult economic situation is global especially for the oil producing countries.
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