An
influential APC senator has called on the Labour movement to continue
to dialogue, but unambiguously condemn all acts of treacherous
intimidation by the federal government against the leaders of Nigerian
workers.
Senator Shehu Sani
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the influential APC senator
representing Kaduna Central District, Shehu Sani has cautioned the
President Buhari-led federal government against intimidating the
Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), and its leaders, for protesting the
recent increase in petrol price.
The popular politician condemned the government’s 'campaign of calumny and blackmail' against
the unionists, and said Nigerians must appreciate the NLC for standing
by the masses over the years and for making contributions to the
realization of political change in Nigeria.
Senator Sani who noted that the umbrella body responsible for the
welfare of Nigerian workers, NLC has the right to protest or to opt for
dialogue or not, said;
"Campaign of calumny and blackmail against the NLC and Labour
leaders simply for speaking out and standing up for their traditional
constituents must stop. We joined and applauded the NLC for leading a
mass protest against increase in pump prices of petroleum products in
the past.
"It’s hypocritical to condemn them now for their principled
stand on same issue. Our quests for justice and equity must not depend
upon the Government or persons in power but must depend upon the matters
of principles at hand.
"The cloud of intimidation and blackmail against people for
expressing their objections must end. We are now in a state whereby
dissent is equated to disloyalty.
"We must learn to tolerate views and positions different from
our own no matter how unpopular. If we must all agree on all issues at
all times, democracy couldn’t have been ‘invented’.
"Democracy guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to
free speech and to objection and this must be respected. It’s imperative
for our people to understand that the political class define and view
social justice in the colours of their personal interest.
"Those who stood against increase in price of petroleum
products yesterday and stood for it today have betrayed the very
principle which they claimed to represent. If for political convenience
we choose to divide or destroy the Labour unions today, we will be
harming the very organ that stands as the guardian of democracy.
"Increase in pump price of petroleum products does nothing
other than add to the suffering of Nigerians but those in support of it
have the constitutional rights to revere their chains.
"Unjust policies must not be beclouded by political interests and political convenience," the lawmaker said.
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