A group working under the National People with Disabilities Awareness Movement (NAPAM) warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday not to go ahead with its planned nationwide strike over the nation’s current economic state, claiming that doing so would hurt Nigerians’ interests by shutting down the economy.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja, National Secretary of NAPAM Dr. Samuelson Emehibe contended that the nation’s economic woes should not be attributed to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but rather to the economic policies that have gone unexecuted over the previous 16 years.
In the few months since the start of this administration, he pointed out, certain directions had been taken in terms of governance that, while they might cause hardship now, would eventually realign the country. He insisted that any kind of strike or protest was meant to thwart the good times the country was about to experience.
Dr. Emehibe said that since many firms were already closing, the supply chain was being disrupted, and investor confidence in the economy was being undermined, the NLC’s decision to go on strike would worsen the already unstable and unstable economy.
“Over the past sixteen years, certain issues went unaddressed, leading to several misdemeanors,” he said. “President Tinubu is now in charge, and he aims to reposition Nigeria for the better. We urge fellow Nigerians to give him the necessary time to implement the changes he envisions.” He added that his association, which includes over 35 million people with disabilities, would not sit idly by and watch as a segment of the nation disrupts the economy. They fear that if the economy were shut down, people with disabilities and the vulnerable citizens would be hard hit. For this reason, they were insisting that government should be allowed in this situation.
Let’s put aside our self-interest and sincerely concentrate on defending the wellbeing of the populace.
“By his self-serving antics of imposing industrial action without considering the enormous negative effects of strike, Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman Comrade Joe Ajaero and his Executive have shown a high level of disregard to the wellbeing of the citizens, especially the persons with disabilities in Nigeria.”
“Going on strike will only make the already dire economic situation in the country worse. The Labour Union has neglected to take into account the suffering of many Nigerians who are trying to make ends meet.
“A strike is not the best way to address the current situation; it could make things worse for the over 35 million people who live with disabilities in the Federal Capital Territory and the 36 States of the Federation.”
Consequently, he called on the NLC, TUC, and other organizations to hold talks with the administration rather than stage a demonstration in the streets.
Dr. Emehibe stated that should the NLC decide to proceed with the two-day countrywide demonstration, the organization will file a lawsuit against them.