…Says over zealous officials acted without approval
From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Federal government has granted new approval tor the Abuja Eagle Square to be used for the May Day parade.
On Friday, the Organized Labor reported that it had received letters from the Federal Capital Territory Authorities (FCTA) prohibiting it from using the location for the Workers Day Celebration because of ongoing handover preparations, despite the fact that the venue had previously been approved and had only three days left.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a statement signed by its general-secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja also announced it would be using the streets of Abuja as new venue for the May Day event.
But, in a statement at the weekend, the Spokeperson for the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun said the Federal government had given go ahead for the Eagle Square to be used for the celebration of the Annual Workers Day.
According to Oshundun, on receiving the report, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige contacted his colleague, the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello, who blamed the development on some overzealous officials, acting without his authority, as well as minor communication gap between the FCDA, the Federal Government Transition Committee and the NLC.
“It was actually the contractor handling the renovation of the Eagle Square, Merrs Julius Berger that informed the Transition Committee for the hand over ceremony that they erected their equipment even before last Thursday when the Nigerian Army used the venue for an event attended by the President.
“Consequently, the FCT Minister assured the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment that the place is available for NLC to use on May 1, which is the workers day.
“This May Day is the last in the life of this administration. The NLC parade belongs to everybody, including government, diplomatic missions, international organisations, organised labour and affiliate unions and members of the public. The President, Ministers and others cannot shut themselves out. The Eagle Square is still available for all these individuals.” The statement said.
All invited people, most especially the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the diplomatic missions and the international partners were urged to make themselves available at the Eagle Square for the May Day celebrations.
“The Minister of Labour and Employment has been in touch with the leadership of organised Labour led by Comrade Joe Ajaero and has briefed them on these developments and equally extended the apologies of the Honourable Minister of FCT for the unintended embarrassment occasioned by the action of their officials who misinterpreted the general intention and work plan of one month of Messrs Julius Berger the company incharge of the renovation of the Eagle Square for the May29 inauguration to also include the May1, 2023.
“The FCT Administration has promised to give all necessary material support to make the event hitch free and successful, while the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment wishes all Nigerian Workers a blissful Workers day on May1.” The statement added.