NLC denounces police occupation of NURTW national secretariat

The National Union of Road Transport Workers’ national secretariat was allegedly occupied by thugs who were accompanied, according to reports, by police officers. This was denounced by the Nigeria Labour Congress.

The NLC criticized the alleged involvement of the Nigerian Police in the invasion of the NURTW national secretariat in Abuja in a statement released following its Emergency National Administrative Council meeting on Monday.

“The NAC acknowledged the recent history of the Nigeria Police’s engagement in the internal affairs of numerous unions, which it regards as an infringement on the autonomy of union operations and a violation of the legal framework governing industrial relations,” the labor organization said.

It denounced the Inspector General of Police’s suspected interference in the invasion of the NURTW National Secretariat, which was “intended to overthrow the duly elected union leadership and install an alternative faction.”

“The NAC categorically demanded that the thugs and the police both immediately and unconditionally leave the illegally occupied NURTW National Secretariat. Within 48 hours of the resolution’s passing, this demand must be met.

In an effort to promote openness and accountability, it stated, “the NLC called for His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to react to the allegations linking his name to those guilty for the invasion.”

The NLC emphasized that as a representative of democracy, President Tinubu should make clear his position and deny any role in the occurrence.

A strike was warned by the labor union if the elected NURTW leadership was not restored.

“The NAC’s resolutions demonstrate its dedication to supporting democratic values, safeguarding the autonomy of unions, and defending the rights and safety of workers across Nigeria.

The NLC said it was “steadfast in its dedication to preserving the interests of Nigerian workers and unions while calling for the rapid resolution of the crisis in question” as the country closely watched the developments.