ASUU Strike: NLC Responds to Nigerian Government Says Planned Protest Not Illegal
The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has responded to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, for his comments on the alleged illegality of the union's planned protest against the protracted strike by workers in the university.
NLC had announced a national protest planned next Tuesday and Wednesday if the government did not reach an agreement with the striking unions.
But speaking to reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Mr Mohammed said the protest was illegal because the government has no ongoing disputes with the NLC
He said: “The NLC is not a political party. There is no dispute between the NLC as an organization and the federal government.
"Well yes, there is a dispute between some members of the NLC, ASUU and the federal government that is being investigated. And NLC itself is part of the committee that is looking into the solution.< /p>
"So by calling people to protest in the streets, you start to wonder what the NLC's motive is in this matter? But you see here, we're not questioning what NLC is doing. The NLC, from by its own laws, can't even distribute pamphlets. And the NLC is supposed to be completely isolated from politics."
Responses from the CLNIn a statement later Wednesday, NLC Chairman Ayuba Wabba disagreed with the minister that the protest was illegal.
He said Mr. Mohammed's comments were inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
“It is elementary to know that the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration is a fundamental global right guaranteed by the United Nations Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All peaceful assemblies are legal and do not require permission under our laws. In a democratic society, such a statement is inconsistent with the rule of law. »
He also noted that the demonstration planned by the NLC was not a solidarity demonstration, saying that the NLC was directly involved in the conflict.
“This is not a show of solidarity, NLC is directly involved in the current dispute in our university system. The four unions involved are all NLC affiliates,” he said.
"Second, as citizens, our children have been out of school for 5 months, the majority are working class and less privileged children, that alone should call for urgent action."
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ordered its subdivisions to begin mobilizing students to join the NLC in the nationwide protest.
Qosim Suleiman is a journalist at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which connects local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to cover under-reported issues around the world.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
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The Nigeria Labor Congress (NLC) has responded to the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, for his comments on the alleged illegality of the union's planned protest against the protracted strike by workers in the university.
NLC had announced a national protest planned next Tuesday and Wednesday if the government did not reach an agreement with the striking unions.
But speaking to reporters after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on Wednesday, Mr Mohammed said the protest was illegal because the government has no ongoing disputes with the NLC
He said: “The NLC is not a political party. There is no dispute between the NLC as an organization and the federal government.
"Well yes, there is a dispute between some members of the NLC, ASUU and the federal government that is being investigated. And NLC itself is part of the committee that is looking into the solution.< /p>
"So by calling people to protest in the streets, you start to wonder what the NLC's motive is in this matter? But you see here, we're not questioning what NLC is doing. The NLC, from by its own laws, can't even distribute pamphlets. And the NLC is supposed to be completely isolated from politics."
Responses from the CLNIn a statement later Wednesday, NLC Chairman Ayuba Wabba disagreed with the minister that the protest was illegal.
He said Mr. Mohammed's comments were inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.
“It is elementary to know that the right to peaceful assembly and demonstration is a fundamental global right guaranteed by the United Nations Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. All peaceful assemblies are legal and do not require permission under our laws. In a democratic society, such a statement is inconsistent with the rule of law. »
He also noted that the demonstration planned by the NLC was not a solidarity demonstration, saying that the NLC was directly involved in the conflict.
“This is not a show of solidarity, NLC is directly involved in the current dispute in our university system. The four unions involved are all NLC affiliates,” he said.
"Second, as citizens, our children have been out of school for 5 months, the majority are working class and less privileged children, that alone should call for urgent action."
Meanwhile, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has ordered its subdivisions to begin mobilizing students to join the NLC in the nationwide protest.
Qosim Suleiman is a journalist at Premium Times in partnership with Report for the World, which connects local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to cover under-reported issues around the world.
Support the integrity and credibility journalism of PREMIUM TIMES Good journalism costs a lot of money. Yet only good journalism can guarantee the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy and a transparent government. For free and continued access to the best investigative journalism in the country, we ask that you consider providing modest support to this noble endeavour. By contributing to PREMIUM TIMES, you help sustain relevant journalism and keep it free and accessible to everyone.Donate
[embedded content]TEXT ANNOUNCEMENT: Call Willie - +2348098788999
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