Imo NUJ Calls For Calm, Normalcy
The labour crisis rocking Imo State as a result of the disruption of the 2023 Workers Day celebration by hoodlums alleged to be loyalists of the state government has elicited reactions from the Caretaker Committee the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Imo State Council.
The union, in a release signed by Comrade Precious Nwadike and Comrade Ori Martins as Chairman and Secretary different quarters, including respectively expressed regret that the ugly and disturbing development has wrecked havoc on the socio-economic well being of the state and her people who are at the receiving end of war of attrition between the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and the Imo State government who are yet to agree.
The release captioned, ‘’IMO NLC CRISIS: AN APPEAL FOR CALM, NORMALCY AND CAUTION’’ reads in part, ‘’ We have keenly watched the ugly and disturbing drama currently playing out in the Imo State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, which has brought devastating effects as well as harrowing experiences on Imo people and all residents of the state.
“The trending and unfortunate NLC situation is quite regrettable even as it is uncalled for, given the fact that the Imo masses are as at today in dire straits, and so, need the urgent intervention of the NLC apparatus for succour and rescue.
“It is evident that Imo people are at the receiving end of this Labour debacle as the two sides to this war of attrition – Imo State Government and the leadership of NLC – have yet to agree on a ceasefire.
“Based on the foregoing, we passionately appeal to Governor Hope Uzodimma to maximize his tentacles as the general overseer and chief security officer of the state, to ensure an end to this cold war between the government and leadership of the NLC.
“As we fervently appeal to Governor Uzodimma’s conscience, the Imo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, driven by our undiluted inclination to good governance hinged on separation of powers, professionalism and rule of law, herein call the number one citizen to gallantly but graciously steer off unions’ politics.
“Unknown to Governor Uzodimma, there are few of his aides who have caused so much division among the various unions in the state by misleading him with false information and fake situation reports on unions’ politics and activities in Imo State.
“The foregoing sensationally but unambiguously explains in simple terms why most of the unions in Imo are not just engulfed in crisis, but are equally factionalized, ditto NUJ, NLC, NAWOJ, INPA, NURTW, etc. There is hardly any Grade A union in the state without a crisis. And it is usually tailored by a few of the state actors to make it believable that the government’s involvement and interest are the major cause of the crises in the unions.
“Therefore, the Imo NUJ totally condemn the invasion of NLC by hoodlums allegedly sponsored by some aides of the Imo State Government who were on a selfish mission rather than for public good.
“The government’s media services had denied this. Thus, we call on the governor as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to fish out those responsible for that barbaric action on NLC secretariat and ensure they are brought to book.
“It would amount to an indictment that a mob can attack a union’s secretariat, located at the centre of the State Capital on two occasions and not be brought to book.
“The Governor would do well to use his good offices to probe into the immediate and remote causes of the attack; find out who ordered security personnel providing security for the NLC members at the Labour House to stand down while the workers were being attacked, and ensure that any and everyone culpable in this embarrassing show of shame is made to face the music’’.
