Abuja-The Nigeria Labour Congress(NLC) and the Trade Union Congress(TUC) have called on Nigerians to stand up and fight the evil in the system rather than attempting to destroy the whole nation.
This was the crux of the World Press Conference held by the labour Unions on Thursday in Abuja where it was stressed that dialogue remains the most tested and result-oriented form of conflict resolution mechanism that should be given full rein, adding that those fanning the embers of disunity need to be discouraged and schooled on the realities of war.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba noted that these persistent hot exchanges and attacks symbolize the intensity of greed,implacable arrogance and desperation of the elites, some of whom are sponsoring the hate campaigns that can lead to disintegration of Nigeria.
He further stated that a physical conflict will hurt all Nigerians, most particularly workers, pensioners and their families who will be the most direct and immediate casualties,as he urged all Nigerians to stand up with one voice and fight those promoting division on the basis of primordial affinity.
He said; “Our common enemy and whom we must all resolve to face, remains the corrupt political class who instead of utilizing the God endowed wealth of Nigeria, choose to loot it for themselves and their children. On our part as Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria and civil society, we are determined to stop our elites and their lackey from throwing us as a nation into another avoidable civil war.
“Let us therefore not allow them to use poor Nigerian workers, pensioners and peasants as cannon fodders for their selfish interests. The desperate but vocal few cannot and should not be allowed to speak for the majority of us.
“The development of capacity to address the present disaffection should be paid attention to, rather than falling into the self-inflicted trap of stereotyping one another as enemies and debasing our common humanity” He added.
He summated that most of the issues in contention can be resolved through good governance, sustainable and transparent fight against corruption and addressing inequities and injustice in the system.
speaking further, the President Trade Union Congress of Nigeria(TUC), Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama urged Nigerians to develop the attitude of questioning the elites and to make them accountable to the colossal money they collect, adding that the critical thing is to ensure that everybody is made accountable.
“We want Nigerians to wake up, 2019 is around the corner let’s not be deceived any more, let’s make sure that you only vote for people that you trust” he said.
Also, the Rights Activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria(SAN), Femi Falana emphasized that restructuring and federalism must be concretized and called on the unions to move for the implementation of the Child Rights Act, the Universal Basic Education Act as well as the National Health Act.
