By Damilare Adeleye
Following reports reports that soldiers were surrounding the venue of the meeting between the Organised Labour and Federal Government, the Nigerian Army has opened up on the development.
In a statement posted on its social media page, the Nigerian Army said the soldiers were escorts of the National Security Adviser,
Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.
A source from the Labour had earlier disclosed on Monday evening that action is aimed at intimidating Organised Labour, noting that no matter the intimidation, Labour leaders remain undaunted.
Also, the Nigeria Labour Congress while reacting to the reports via its official X Platform, warned that any attempt to intimidate its leaders will worsen the situation.
“Any attempt to intimidate, provoke or blackmail our leaders at the negotiation table would worsen the issue and further prolong our action indefinitely. Our leaders are acting in accordance with the directives of our organs. Viva! Organized labour. Viva! Working people of Nigeria,” labour said on its handle.
However, the Army said, “The attention of Army Headquarters has been drawn to a false breaking news by NLC alleging that soldiers currently surround the venue of the ongoing meeting between NLC and the SGF.
“Kindly note that the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is also attending the meeting, arrived at the meeting venue with his retinue of statutorily approved military escorts. Once the meeting is over, the escorts will lead the NSA from the venue.
“Kindly disregard the deliberate and misleading falsehood being peddled about the presence of the escorts at the meeting.”