FG Appeals For Peace Over Paralysing Labour/Kaduna Face-off

The Federal Government on Tuesday sued for peace in the ongoing industrial action by Organised Labour, which crippled economic activities in Kaduna state.

The government appealed to the parties to return to dialogue to end the industrial dispute.

Labour’s warning strike to protest the sack of workers by Governor Nasir el-Rufai entered its second day on Tuesday with no end in sight for the dispute.

Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, appealed to Governor el – Rufai, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabba as well as President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Quadri Olaleye to immediately cease fire.

In a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Charles Akpan, the Minister said the appeal became necessary following threat by electricity workers to withdraw service nationwide.

The statement reads: “We are not unaware of what is going on in Kaduna State. It is a labour issue, which has snowballed into a national strike and picketing by the two labour centres and affiliate unions.

“We hope and also pray the Kaduna state Governor not to escalate matters to such a level where it becomes uncontrollable. We also appeal the to the leaders of the labour centres to step down action to make way for discussion.

“My ministry is wading into the matter and therefore calls on the two warring parties to give peace a chance.”

The statement added: “Importantly, I appeal to workers in critical sectors not to tamper with electrical or water installations so as not to bring more sufferings to the people of Kaduna and the nation at large.

“This is because we have it on good authority, following a complaints by the Minster of Power that workers have threatened to trigger a nation-wide blackout by interfering or switching off the national grid.”