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From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have ordered mass mobilisation of their affiliates for a peaceful solidarity rally in Abuja over the ongoing struggle of workers under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).
The rally scheduled to hold at the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) tomorrow is aimed at showing total support for members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), who organised labour says are fighting for justice, fairness and dignity at work.
In a joint statement titled: “We Are With You” signed by NLC acting General Secretary, Mr. Benson Upah and TUC General Secretary, Mr Nuhu Toro, the unions reaffirmed unwavering solidarity with JUAC members, insisting that the labour movement would not abandon its own at a critical moment.
They urged affected workers to remain steadfast and courageous, stressing that the struggle is legitimate, justifiable and non-negotiable.
According to the statement, all affiliates and state councils of the NLC and TUC in the Federal Capital Territory have been directed to mobilise massively and ensure full participation in the lawful and peaceful action.
The statement read: “A re-affirmation of solidarity with JUAC members and notice of
peaceful solidarity rally to all the affiliates and state councils of NLC and TUC in FCT).
“In furtherance of our earlier communication conveying the unwavering solidarity of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), we restate, clearly and without ambiguity, our total commitment to this struggle.
“We once again urge JUAC members to remain steadfast, resolute, and courageous in the defence of their rights and dignity. This is a struggle rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights and must be pursued with unity of purpose and an unbreakable spirit.
“Both Congresses reaffirm our full backing and support. There must be no retreat and no surrender in the face of intimidation, repression, or attempts to wear out workers through hardship and fear.
“History has taught us that rights are never gifted, they are won through collective resistance and principled struggle.
“In further demonstration of our solidarity, we hereby inform all affiliates that the TUC and NLC shall stage a peaceful solidarity rally to the FCDA on Tuesday, 3rd February. This rally is to publicly affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the Nigerian labour movement will not abandon its own.
“Details of convergence points and time shall be communicated to members through their respective affiliates.
“All affiliates and state councils are therefore directed to ensure effective internal mobilisation and timely dissemination of this information to their members. All affiliates and state councils are directed to mobilise massively and participate fully in this lawful and peaceful action. This struggle is not only justifiable, legitimate, and non-negotiable, it is necessary and urgent, and we shall sustain the struggle until justice is done to the workers. The labour movement stands firm and no one should underestimate or undermine that resolve. To workers in FCTA, we say, you are not alone. We will not abandon you. No retreat, no surrender.”
