The Nigeria Police on Monday morning reacted to the nationwide strike by Organised Labour aimed at getting the federal government to approve a living minimum wage for workers, telling the Labour leaders to act responsibly as the strike has the “potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.”
The Police emphasized the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities, calling for caution to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.
A statement by Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi on Monday said though labour has a right to advocate for the interests of all workers, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.
According to the Police Spokesperson: “The Nigeria Police Force, while acknowledging the recent announcement by organized labour regarding the intention to embark on a nationwide strike action and understanding the right of organized labour to engage in such actions to advocate for the interests of all workers, wishes to emphasize the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities; and calls for caution to prevent a breakdown of law and order within the country.
“In light of the Federal Government’s recent declaration that the planned strike is illegal and premature, the Nigeria Police Force views this action as a potential catalyst for increased tension and political instability.
“The NPF hereby urges organized labour to proceed with the ongoing deliberations at the Tripartite Committee, which is focused on determining a new minimum wage, and shelve the planned strike as such decision is essential to prevent untold hardships on members of the public and maintain order and stability within our country.
“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that ample deployments have been made across the country to ensure that citizens can go about their lawful duties without hindrance.
‘Therefore, all members of the public are encouraged to remain calm and continue with their lawful daily activities, while organized labour is urged to act responsibly and in accordance with the law, prioritizing dialogue and legal avenues to resolving the existing grievances.”