Protest: Amosun Opens Negotiation With NLC As Leadership Arrives Ogun

Ahead of Tuesday’s planned industrial action in Ogun State, the Ayuba Wabba led Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) leadership has arrived Abeokuta, the State capital.
Speaking with journalists at the NLC Secretariat in the State capital, the National President of the labour union also revealed that Governor Ibikunle Amosun had opened negotiations with the labour leaders.
Wabba, who is also the President of International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), said he had received a formal letter from the government of Ogun State to open discussions later on Monday evening.
Wabba, who assured of attending the meeting, said dialogue is the best option, adding that the labour leaders would see how best to make use of the window of opportunity with the government.

The NLC boss explained that the issues with Ogun State government are not new issues, adding that several letters have been written in respect of the agitations while he had personally visited the state on four different occasions. 

Abba said the issues bordered on imposition of new payment schedule for gratuity against the original template; non-remittance of statutory deduction, pension, union dues, cooperatives dues, which have accumulated to about 105 months; and accumulated salary of the workers of Tai Solarin Colleague of Education to the tune of about N4 billion.
According to the labour leader, the sacking of Akeem Ambali, the Chairman of NLC in Ogun, is also an aberration that has never happened in the current dispensation.
He said, “These issues are not new, this is the fifth time of being to Ogun State on these issues. I have never been to any State five times on any issue. The issue has also reached the highest decision making body, National Delegate Congress, where all delegates agree that we should address the matter.
“We’ve put all relevant agencies on notice, we are ready for dialogue and if dialogue fails, confrontation is next. Workers are already on ground and we are not afraid of failing. There is no State in Nigeria which has such issues; we must respect the dignity of labour.
“Dialogue is still an option to the government and I can confirm to you that government has communicated to us in writing. We will try to explore it and see if there’s window of dialogue. We have received a formal letter, we will also approach that meeting with an open mind.”
The NLC President described as irresponsible, the comment credited to Governor Amosun, asking the labour leaders to steer clear of Ogun State or be disgraced.
Wabba said nobody has a monopoly of threat, adding that the Labour can also make life unbearable and uncomfortable for any politician who wants to make life unbearable for workers.
He said the Labour leaders need no security cover as their security will be guaranteed, adding that the statement credited to the government was a threat to life which is unconstitutional.
He said: “Governor Amosun will be held responsible should anything happen to my labour leader in the State.”