NLC STRIKE: Lawmakers shut out of NASS complex

In solidarity with NLC, PASAN issued a directive to its members to remain at home even as it locked all entry points to the National Assembly complex.

The Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN) had locked all entry gates into the National Assembly complex in solidarity with the main union body, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) as it commenced a nationwide strike on Monday.

Lawmakers, their aides, staff of the National Assembly, and journalists are rerouting to the Office of the Secretary General of the Federation’s gate and other less-used entrances to gain access to the complex. 

The NLC along with the Trade Union Congress (TUC), are protesting the alleged assault on the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, by suspected thugs in Owerri, Imo State, on Wednesday, November 1.

On Sunday, the leadership of the unions ordered workers nationwide to withdraw their services at midnight.

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The labour unions, in a joint statement, said, “In furtherance to the decision of the Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC, all workers in Nigeria are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective midnight today, 13th November 2023.”

“Consequently, all affiliates and state councils of NLC/TUC are directed to issue circulars for maximum compliance and these circulars be made available to the National Secretariats or posted to the NEC and CWC WhatsApp Platforms.”

The NLC and TUC commenced its industry action with a state-wide strike in Imo State last week and continued with it nationwide despite the order of the National Industrial Court (NIC).

The President of the NIC, Justice Benedict Kanyip, had restrained the labour union and their affiliates from embarking on any strike.

While declaring the strike, Mr Ajaero said the industrial action was in protest against “the persistent and egregious violations of the rights and privileges of workers in Imo State by the state government.”

Speaking to OrderPaper on the issue via a telephone interview, the Secretary General of PASSAN (NASS chapter), Mr. Amos Enobong, said the body has directed all its members to stay at home and all gates leading into the National Assembly be locked.

“I’m right now at the annex gate because the main gate is locked, we have given directives that all gates should be locked. It is our order that all gates should be locked and they are complying with our orders.“We have given directives that all our members should stay at home because we are complying with the directive from our national secretariat.  We are doing everything to ensure that the directive is enforced so we are not concerned on how people gain access into the premises.”

Also, our correspondent sighted the circular issued to NASS staff in respect of total compliance with the national body on the protest strike.

It reads, “Following the Letter issued  by  the National Secretariat of PASAN, directing our chapter to comply with the indefinite strike action by the NLC, I am directed by the Executive Council of PASAN, National Assembly Chapter to  inform you that ALL PASAN MEMBERS should comply with the indefinite strike action until further notice from the National Secretariat of PASAN.”