Since the suspension of its strike action, efforts by leaders of the organized labour in Kogi state to meet with Governor Yahaya Bello to table some of the challenges of workers have proved abortive as those around the governor have kept them in abeyance.
The State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Onuh Edoka, made this known on Tuesday when the union held a peaceful protest to register its grievances over the extra judicial killings of two of NLC members in Lafia, Nasarawa state by men of the police force.
Edoka appealed to the Kogi state government to as a matter of necessity settle the salaries of ‘cleared workers’ that are yet to be paid in various ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), noting that many of them are languishing in penury.
Addressing the unionists who were dressed in black attires, State Chairman of NLC, Comrade Onuh Edoka, condemned the ‘brutal killing’ of the workers and injuring of others who were protesting against the 50% cut in their salaries by the Nasarawa state government.
He called on the federal government, the Inspector General of Police and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to urgently investigate the unfortunate incident and ensure that the perpetrators of the heinous acts are brought to justice to serve as deterrent to others.
Edoka noted that trade union movement has been part of the struggles that brought about democracy being enjoyed in the country, wondering why governors in most of the states have become autocratic and deploy security forces against unarmed/defenseless workers demanding for their legitimate entitlements.
“Our governors have become military people in civilian uniforms. Government should not use the security forces to oppress the people. Government should treat workers with dignity and sense of respect because they are the ones that voted them into power”, he said.
Edoka urged workers to remain resolute and united against all forms of injustices from the government, noting that no amount of intimidation and coercion should be allowed to dissuade.
“The time has come for us to speak with one voice and defend the cause of workers all over the federation if not your rights would continued to be trampled upon. This is a government that once you dared to challenge them, they would use every means to make you voiceless”, he said.
