In response to the nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Senate has taken the decision to promptly convene an emergency meeting with labour leaders.

The aim of the meeting is to address the issues that led to the industrial action.

The Senate specifically called upon the unions to call off the strike, which was prompted by the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1. The resolutions were made during a plenary session, following a motion presented by Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central). The motion, presented by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, condemned the attack on Ajaero and deemed it unfortunate.

Senator Ningi highlighted that Ajaero, as a Nigerian citizen and a native of Imo State, has the constitutional right to participate in the state’s electioneering process. He emphasized that it was wrong to subject him to brutality for exercising his rights.

The Senate acknowledged that the strike, which began on November 14, is rooted in the assault on the NLC President during his involvement in the political campaign in Imo State. However, some senators expressed concern that most of the NLC’s demands appeared to be related not only to the welfare of Nigerian workers but also to issues arising from the alleged political involvement of the NLC President in Imo State.

The senators raised apprehensions about the potential consequences of the ongoing strike, warning that it could have detrimental effects on the Nigerian economy and the well-being of its citizens. While condemning the attack on the NLC President, they also emphasized that the entire country should not suffer due to an alleged offense committed in one state.

Overall, the Senate’s decision to summon an emergency meeting with labour leaders demonstrates a proactive approach to address the concerns underlying the nationwide strike.