In a show of solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has instructed its members to participate in the ongoing nationwide strike.
The decision came as a response to the recent assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero, allegedly perpetrated by police officers in Imo State.
ASUU President, Emmanuel Osodeke, made this directive in a letter addressed to ASUU zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons across the nation.
The nationwide strike commenced at midnight on Monday, November 13, 2023, and seeks to protest the assault on Joe Ajaero, holding the Imo State government responsible for the attack. Emmanuel Osodeke emphasized that the strike action is crucial to safeguard the interests of Nigerian workers and the union’s leadership.
In his letter, Osodeke stated, “As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilize our members to participate in the action.”
The federal government has condemned the decision of the two labor unions to embark on a nationwide strike. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued a statement expressing the government’s disappointment, characterizing the strike as an “unwarranted attempt to blackmail the government.”
Furthermore, the government argued that the strike is unwarranted and irresponsible, as it affects the entire country with a population of over 200 million people over an incident involving the NLC president. The government expressed concern that the national economy and social activities should not suffer due to the personal interests of a labor leader.
In light of these developments, tensions continue to mount between the labor unions and the federal government, with both sides adamant in their positions. The nation now watches closely as this strike action unfolds, impacting various sectors across Nigeria.
