The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Edo State government to vacate its secretariat in Benin, the state capital.
This was contained in a statement by the President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and the General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, after its NEC meeting in Owerri, Imo State, on Thursday.
The statement said the 14-day working days deadline would elapse on January 8, 2025.
The Labour union also asked the Nigeria Police to vacate the secretariat premises, return all confiscated properties to the Congress, and commit to refraining from further interference in trade union activities.
The NLC condemned the actions of the police and Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State in orchestrating an invasion of the NLC state secretariat.
“The brazen act of impunity included the ransacking of properties and the unlawful removal of items, all in a bid to impose an illegitimate leadership on the workers.”*
“Failure to comply will compel the Congress to initiate unprecedented measures in defense of workers’ and trade union rights,” the NLC said.
It added that the NEC meeting in Owerri was partly to roll out its Southeast region’s Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Bus Services and also deliberate on critical issues impacting Nigerian workers and the general populace.
The NLC said it also examined the worsening socio-economic conditions brought about by government policies, which have plunged Nigerians into unprecedented hardship and deepened the crisis of survival across the country.
The NLC also expressed grave concern over the persistent cash scarcity currently plaguing business activities in the country, describing it as an unfortunate and exploitative burden on the already struggling populace.
According to the NLC, Nigerians are being forced to forfeit 5% of their funds each time they access cash, an unacceptable situation that exacerbates the economic woes faced by millions.
It called on the federal government to immediately intervene to rectify this systemic failure and protect citizens’ financial rights.
The union emphasized that the primary aim of taxation is to generate revenue for running the government, adding that the justification of any tax system lies in its impact on the lives of the people.
The NLC noted that discussions on taxation in a serious nation cannot exclude those who bear the brunt of the tax burden.
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