Reactions trail Kaduna Government, NLC face-off

Reactions have continued to trail the face-off between the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Kaduna State Government over the sack of local, state government employees.

While some have asked Governor, El- Rufai to sheath his sword and return to the negotiations table with labour leaders, others praised the leadership of the Nigerian Labour leader, Ayuba Wabba for his action and urged him to press on even as residents of the state continue to face hardship.

A journalist, Shittu Obassa while expressing disbelief over Governor Elrufai’s insistence on sacking another over 4,000 employees in the state government payroll in the face of daunting challenges, said he has been in Kaduna State for more than 35 years and has never experienced the sort of hardship he faces today.

He said since the emergence of El Rufai as Governor of the state, it has been right sizing and sack without paying of benefits.

“No, new industry, no motivation, markets were demolished, houses were demolished, kidnapping has been the highest order, death rate increased due to poor access to health facilities.”

“My heart bleeds for Kaduna State. This is the first time in the recent history of Kaduna State that human beings are treated as mere statistics to be used and dumped with ignominy.

“We have in the saddle of power, an egghead trained as Quantity Surveyor, who has spent his adult life in his enterprise as a principal partner and never answer ” yes sir” to any superior officer in civil service and does not know the pain of growing through the crucible to be at the top. The same person has always been loyal to only himself and others subservient to him.”

Shittu Obassa while calling on Governor El Rufai to dialogue with union leaders, noted that when there is a disagreement between two parties, it’s always resolved through negotiations.

Lending his voice to the five days warning protest by the NLC, Former Senator, Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Shehu Sani condemned the use of thugs against the leadership of the union and urged the government to explore dialogue to resolve all issues concerning workers in the state.

Shehu Sani wrote in his tweets “the use of thugs against the leadership and members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in Kaduna State is unreservedly condemnable. Peaceful protests and strikes are fundermental and constitutional rights of citizens. The state government and the labour should explore and resolve the issue”

Meanwhile, the Progressive Governors’ Forum has called for a truce and advised both parties to engage in peaceful negotiation.

The APC governors in a statement by its chairman, Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu said, despite disagreements, there cannot be limits to engaging in peaceful negotiation.

However, Chairman Kajuru, Kaduna Market Association, Shehu Dunia speaks differently.

Shehu who praised the leadership of the union for their support urged the union leader to continue to demonstrate a common sense of unionism as Kaduna has turned to a business entity, controlled by one man who dictates to all and plays the music that pleases his ears.

He said despite the increase in hardship created by the government, the end of five days warning strike shall be victory.

His words, ” it’s always good to remind someone of his bad leadership. If you do not remind him, the worst of it will come. Although we are passing through the worst, we will not allow it to consume us.

“Take, for example, there is no single day, people do not witness kidnapping in Kaduna State. About 80 percent of people are out of job, no markets, no business, yet, people are facing security challenges.”

Since the strike began on Monday, there has been a rapid increase in common man’s food items such as corn, rice, beans and food ingredients, with almost 80% unemployed in the state.”

Today, there is no light, no water, no fuel, to even power generator for borehole owners, banks are shut, train station no longer working, airport closed, hospitals closed and counterless filling station not dispensing. What is worst than this? He said

Also, speaking to DAILY POST correspondent in Kaduna on Wednesday, Barrister Auwal Ahmed Ibrahim urged Labour leaders to continue until their demands are met.

Ibrahim said the freedom of expression is protected by section 39(1) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’s constitution.

“Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria says, everyone shall be entitled to Assemble freely and associate with others such as trade Union for the protection his interests.

Auwal who said he sees nothing wrong in the industrial action embarked by the union said calling out Governor El Rufai’s wrongdoing was long overdue.

Already, the Federal Government led by Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige has promised to intervene in the feud between the NLC and the Kaduna State Government.

DAILY POST recalls that the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), led by Ayuba Wabba stormed Kaduna State on Monday to protest the sack of 4,000 workers.

Following this, Kaduna El-Rufai declared Wabba and other labour leaders wanted for economic sabotage and alleged attacks on public infrastructure under the Miscellaneous Offences Act.

He placed a handsome reward for anyone who would reveal the whereabouts of the labour leader.

Few hours after his declaration, suspected thugs numbering over 50, stormed protest grounds and attacked protesters.