The Center for Social and Economic Rights (CSER) has vehemently condemned the shutdown of Nigeria’s national grid by organized labour unions, labeling it an act of economic sabotage and treason.
This comes in the wake of the nationwide strike initiated by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) over disputes with the government regarding the minimum wage.
In a press statement issued by its Executive Director, Nelson Ekujumi, CSER expressed profound shock and dismay at what it described as criminal actions perpetrated by the labour unions. “We are shocked and devastated by the reported criminal acts and economic sabotage being unleashed on helpless Nigerians and Nigeria by the organized labour over its dispute with the government on the issue of minimum wage,” the statement read.
CSER acknowledged the right of workers to strike as a legitimate means of advocating for their demands but condemned the shutdown of the national grid, a critical national security asset.
The organization described the action as an insurrection intended to destabilize the government, which it views as a violation of the Nigerian constitution.
Furthermore, CSER reported incidents of violence and coercion by the labour unions, including assaults on workers who chose to report for duty, forced closures of schools, and disruptions to the ongoing West African Examination Council (WAEC) examinations.
The statement also highlighted the shutdown of airports, preventing air travel, as part of the unions’ actions.
“Organized labour, by its actions, has caused untold suffering and disruption to the lives of ordinary Nigerians, deviating from the vision of its founding fathers who sought to create wealth and prosperity for the people,” the statement continued. CSER accused the unions of jeopardizing the economic interests of the country for motives that appear to be driven by anything but national interest.
CSER called on the government to safeguard the lives and property of Nigerians and to uphold the right to education and economic activities, which have been severely undermined by the strike.
The organization also urged the government to ensure that any violations of the rights of Nigerians are met with the full force of the law.
In conclusion, CSER reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Nigerians and called for the protection of fundamental human rights amid the ongoing labour disputes.
