NLC Threatens Strike Over Police Raid, Demands Apology from FG

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government and the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), demanding an apology for the recent raid on its headquarters. Failure to apologize, the NLC says, could lead to an industrial strike or other actions to express its dissatisfaction.

During a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information and Public Affairs, expressed deep concern over the incident, noting that even during the era of military dictatorship, the NLC’s premises were never invaded.

Upah questioned the rationale behind the police raid on the 10th floor of the building at an unusual hour, insisting that the police’s explanations have been inconsistent. He demanded that the police produce the legal documents that allegedly authorized the raid.

“The government’s silence on our well-thought-out demands is dishonorable. Instead of apologizing, the police have continued to offer unsatisfactory explanations,” Upah stated. He criticized the police statement signed by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, which claimed that the raid targeted a criminal suspect linked to a shop on the 2nd floor, not the NLC.

“The police have labeled this suspect an ‘international terrorist’ with a history of destabilizing nations, including Sudan. These claims are contradictory and seem like an attempt to cover up their mistakes. If they were targeting a shop on the 2nd floor, what were they doing on the 10th?” he questioned.Upah also challenged the police’s timing, noting that the raid occurred after office hours. He demanded to know why the police did not inform the NLC leadership if the raid truly had nothing to do with them.

“We challenge the police to present the legal documents they claim to have. We hope these are not contrived after the fact,” he added.The NLC called on the government and police to avoid dragging the Congress into matters unrelated to them and demanded proof of any alleged ties to international terrorism. “We are unaware of any terrorists in our midst. If the government knows of one, they should present credible evidence rather than making Nigeria a laughingstock internationally,” Upah said.

The NLC reiterated its demand for an apology from both the police and the federal government, emphasizing that there is honor in admitting wrongdoing. Should an apology not be forthcoming, the NLC warned that it has several options, including withholding its services.

The Congress also criticized the government for diverting attention from pressing issues, such as economic policies that are causing hardship for Nigerians. It called on the government to end what it described as a “hybrid war” against the NLC, including attempts to impose a two-year tenure on labor leaders, which the NLC views as a violation of labor laws and international conventions.

“If the government insists on a two-year tenure for labor leaders, then it should also apply to the president and other top public officials,” the NLC stated.The NLC also urged the government to stop meddling in the affairs of the Labour Party and called for the release of Comrade Opalua Eleojo, a NUEE executive, who was arrested in Abuja.

“We are entitled to safety and protection. If necessary, we will take this issue to the international stage. This situation is damaging Nigeria’s reputation,” the NLC concluded.