Don’t Go On Strike, Rep Adefarati Begs NLC

• A House of Representatives member from Ondo State appeals to organized labour to reconsider the nationwide strike
• The representative also urges the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) to end its strike, considering the plight of Nigerians in need of medical attention

A House of Representatives member from Ondo State has pleaded with organised labour to reconsider its decision to embark on a nationwide strike that could paralyse the nation’s economy.

WITHIN NIGERIA reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had last week issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to reserve all anti-poor policies of the present administration or face an indefinite strike action starting from Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Adegboyega Adefarati, Chairman of the House Committee on Labour, Employment, and Productivity, addressed journalists in Akure, Ondo state capital, on Monday.

Adefarati, who expressed concern about the strike’s negative impact on the Nigerian people, said President Bola Tinubu has been intervening in how to alleviate the people’s suffering.

He stated that instead of going on a nationwide strike, organised labour should continue to negotiate with the federal government.

My appeal to organised labour is for them to shelve the planned protest slated for August 2nd. This is a new administration and I can assure you that Mr President (Bola Timubu) belongs to the progressive group. He has set up a committee headed by the Chief of Staff (Femi Gbajabiamila) and they have been meeting and interacting with the workers.

Workers should look into the option of negotiation and dialogue rather than protest. A stable industrial and harmonious relationship is sine quo non to development. So, we are appealing to them to shelve the idea and wait for the outcome of the meeting. I believe that it will be a win-win situation for the country, even for the workers.

While assuring the public that the House of Representatives would continue to address the issues raised by labour leaders, Adefarati also urged the National Association of Residents Doctors (NARD) to end its strike immediately, citing the plight of Nigerians in need of medical attention.