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…Threatens strike over kidnapping, robberies
Organised labour has urged all tiers of governments to put an end to what it called “endless wastage of lives of Nigerians including workers and pensioners by criminals and bandits”.
This is even as it stated that Nigeria was more secured in the 60s when it got independence.
It however warned that should government fails to address the situation, “workers will be forced to stay at home until workers’ lives are assured and protected.”
In a tribute at the wake-keep of former first Deputy President of the National Union of Textile and Garment Workers (NUTGTW), David Kerigbo Ugondo, in Kaduna last week, the union’s General Secretary, Issa Aremu regretted that Nigerians were more secured at independence in 1960, than now adding that “Incidents of Armed robbery and kidnapping, armed attacks at home and along major highways are killing Nigerians more than HIV/AIDS!.”
Narrating how the late Ugondo at 67 was brutally gunned down together with three others including a serving army officer by suspected armed robbers during an attack along the notorious Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road in Kaduna State two weeks ago, Aremu said that humans “are endangered species” in Nigeria adding that it was a “shame” and “unacceptable” .
The labour leader said it was a paradox that with a serving President, Vice President, the ministers and governors, local governments chairmen, including community chiefs as well as security agencies, Nigeria lacked governance with respect to security of lives and properties as contained in 1999 constitution.
“Without an official declaration of war, Nigerians daily die in the hands of armed robbers and criminals. Road accidents and incidents have turned homes and work places to sudden mourners” lamenting that working men and women, including retirees such as David Kerigbo Ugondo have all become victims of violent crimes in Nigeria”.
Aremu who is also a National Executive member of NLC said to stem the tide of criminality, it was time to demand for accountability on the part of the rulers.
According to him there should be “consequences” for those elected and appointed to protect Nigerians in any security system failures.
He said it was time for “Governors who cannot protect lives and properties” to be impeached adding that all governors took oath to implement 1999 constitution, “which says primary purpose of governance is security and welfare of citizens”.
In a similar vein, the labour leader said, “Commissioners of police under whose commands robberies occur frequently should be removed and prosecuted for negligence.”
He decried a situation in which security service agents paid to secure Nigerians looked the other ways while Nigerians were being slaughtered adding that security officials who prevented and apprehended crimes should be promoted, honored and properly rewarded.
He said 2019 elections should be based on who is capable of protecting Nigerians against untimely deaths whether caused by cholera, Malaria, Typhoid or Kidnapping and armed robberies.
