As the Organised Labour in Nigeria begins a nationwide strike set to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has made a fervent appeal for reconsideration.
Through a statement released by his media team on the night of Sunday, June 2, 2024, the Sultan implored the labour leaders to reconsider their planned strike in light of its potential impact on the country’s wellbeing.
Addressing the labour leaders, the Sultan emphasized the adverse effects that the strike could have on the very citizens whose interests they aim to protect.
He urged them to think deeply about the repercussions on the general populace and to seek alternative methods to achieve their goals.
“The Labour leaders should consider the overbearing effects of the strike action they plan to embark upon on the wellbeing of the same Nigerians, whose interest they are fighting to protect, and therefore shelve the industrial action,” the Sultan stated.
Stressing the importance of continuous dialogue, the Sultan appealed to the Organised Labour not to grow weary of negotiations with the government.
He highlighted the critical need for both parties to engage in productive discussions to reach a mutually beneficial agreement.
“We appeal to Labour not to take the nation through another leg of hardship because that exactly is what will happen if they make good their plan to go on this strike.
They should try to listen to the government while the government should listen to them and both parties arrive at a conclusion that will be beneficial to all Nigerians with the working class inclusive,” he urged.
Drawing on his personal experience in mediating past negotiations between labour unions and the government, the Sultan acknowledged the legitimacy of the labour leaders’ demands for better welfare.
However, he stressed that these demands should be pursued with compassion and a consideration of the broader implications.
“You are doing what is right for your class of fellow workers but you should do it within the ambit of compassion and see strike always as the last option,” he advised.
The Sultan’s intervention comes at a critical juncture as tensions between the Organised Labour and the government escalate.
His call for a balanced approach underscores the delicate balance required to protect workers’ rights without exacerbating the nation’s economic and social challenges.
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