President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday spoke against the frequent strikes and strike threats by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
He said the relations between government and Labour were broken and he blamed the four industrial actions in nine months of the administration.
The President, who thought about the pattern of bitterness, asked the NLC to stop, saying that it is not the only voice of the people.
President Tinubu spoke in Lagos where he started the first phase of the 37-kilometre Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line.
After reading his speech, the President who said he wanted to throw a punch, criticised the Joe Ajaero-led NLC for going into partisan politics.
President Tinubu, who said political participation is a right, however, told the NLC leaders to wait till 2027 to take part in the electoral process.
On Tuesday, NLC organised a two-day protest across the country to express workers’ complaints over the high cost of living.
It stopped the action after the first day.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), led by Festus Usifo, agreed that the government had done a big part of the 16-point agreement signed between the government and Labour in October, and did not join the protest.
The government tried to stop the protest through Minister of State (Labour and Employment) Nkeiruka Onyejeocha and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) George Akume, but they failed.
The Directorate of State Service (DSS) also warned of the possible takeover of the protest, but they did not listen.
NLC held it in Abuja, Lagos and some state capitals. It was peaceful, however.
Ajaero attacked the TUC for not joining it to protest, saying that the NLC is ready to act alone.
Many Nigerians, who think that NLC should be patient and talk with the government, have said the union leaders have political reasons.
A statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said President Tinubu told the Labour leaders to avoid actions that cause trouble.
He asked the union leaders to support the country in its search for peace if the strikes are not for political reasons.
President Tinubu reminded the NLC that the Labour movement is not the only voice of Nigerians.
He said: ‘’Some labour unions should understand that no matter how we cling to our freedom and rights, to call four strikes within the first nine months of a new administration is unacceptable.
‘’If you want to directly participate in the electoral process, wait until 2027.
“If not, maintain the peace. Labour is not the only voice of Nigeria.”
