THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has appealed to the striking workers in the country to return to the negotiation table with the federal government.
In a release signed by Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, on Sunday night, the Force said it had mobilised more officers across the nation to maintain law and order.
The Police warned miscreants against using the strike to disrupt the peace, adding that the strike was a potential catalyst for increased tension in the country.
Part of the statement reads, “In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.
“The NPF hereby urges organised labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the tripartite committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.”
Besides, the Force urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities. It also called on the striking workers to act responsibly according to the law, prioritising dialogue and exploring legal avenues to resolving their grievances.
The ICIR reported that labour unions commenced a nationwide strike today, Monday, June 3, after its meeting with the National Assembly leadership Sunday night ended in a deadlock.
The meeting was reported to have started at around 5:50 p.m. and concluded at 8:45 p.m.
The strike is holding despite the federal government’s appeal to the workers to reconsider their decision.
Earlier reports by The ICIR showed that the aggrieved workers shut down airports, schools, banks and similar institutions.
The Academic Staff Unions of Universities (ASUU) also joined the strike, declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Electricity workers shut down power stations nationwide at dawn, plunging the country into darkness.
The workers are demanding increased wages and an immediate reversal of the electricity tariff hike by the government.
The federal government had offered N60,000 minimum wage, a 100 per cent rise from the current N30,000, which the workers rejected. They had demanded N615,000 as the minimum wage.
Kehinde Ogunyale tells stories by using data to hold power into account. You can send him a mail at jameskennyogunyale@gmail or Twitter: Prof_KennyJames | LinkedIn: Kehinde Ogunyale