NLC Strike: Kogi workers boycott offices, Students flood streets demanding palliatives.
IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja
In compliance with the Nigeria Labour Congress directive to its members to embark on a two day warming strike, Kogi state workers yesterday boycotted offices and some essential workplaces.
Our correspondent checks in Lokoja, the Kogi state capital, revealed that all Ministries, Departments and parastatals were deserted by workers, leaving the usual bubbling areas desolate.
Some of the striking workers said they used the opportunity to go to their farms, as the crops demand their services for a prosperous harvest, in view of the proven economic quagmire that has almost brought the country to it’s knees.
Thousands of Students from the tertiary institutions in the state stormed the streets of Lokoja the state capital, demanding for palliatives as parts of strike.
The students who were dressed in attires depicting the poorest of the poor in the country, appealed to the governments to release the palliatives to save lives and ensure that the children go to school.
The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Kogi state Council, Comrade Gabriel Amari, in a telephone interview with Daily Times on Tuesday, said the warning strike was successful as the workers complied with the directive of the Congress.
Comrade Amari said the labour unions had no option than to participate in the strike called by the NLC, especially that the workers and entire citizens are faced with untold hardship occasioned by the removal of subsidy on petrol.
He said despite allocations of palliatives both monetary and materials as announced by the Federal Government, the promised commodities and other resources are yet to reach the people.
Comrade Amari urged the government to urgently bring succour to the people and avert hunger, deprivation and economic downturn that has created millions of beggars across the country.
He explained that the non participation of the Trade Union Congress, (TUC), in the ongoing two days warning strike, as a case of communication gap, which he he promised would be settled amicably in the interest of the nation.
Comrade Amari commended the workers for their dexterity, doggedness steadfast and total commitment to the struggle for the emancipation of the people of Nigeria.
He urged the Nigerian people to support the struggle to bring the nation back on track by giving their support to the Nigeria Labour Congress in ensuring that the people get what is due to them.
