Bayo Onanuga, the special adviser to President Tinubu on information and strategy, has criticized the nationwide strike organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). He argued that the strike is adversely affecting Nigerians by disrupting essential services in hospitals, airports, and various government agencies.
Onanuga’s comments followed the circulation of photos showing travelers stranded at airports nationwide. He expressed his dismay, stating, “It’s saddening that Labour could go to this extreme. But it is not surprising to the perceptive minds. Labour is harming the Nigerian people they claim to be fighting for. Today, many sick Nigerians cannot access medical care at government hospitals. Not even those with critical medical conditions.”
He accused the labour unions of politicizing their actions, suggesting that their motives might be influenced by affiliations with the Labour Party. “It appears labour is playing politics by other means. Many of the affiliates of the two central unions, NLC and TUC are members and supporters of the Labour Party. They logically bear ill will and grudges against the Tinubu administration,” Onanuga stated.
He further asserted that the issues at the heart of the strike cannot be resolved through coercion or unilateral action by the federal government. “What is clear is that the issue they claim to be fighting for cannot be resolved by blackmail or sabotage; it cannot even be resolved by the federal government unilaterally. The Labour leaders will still have to return to the negotiating table.”
The nationwide strike, which began on Monday, June 3, has led to the closure of commercial banks, Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of government, as well as state government-owned hospitals, causing significant disruption to daily life and services across the country.
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