By Damilare Adeleye
Indications have emerged that the ongoing nationwide strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) may be suspended.
The hope of suspending the strike action followed a meeting between the leaders of the organised labour unions and the Federal Government.
It was learnt that Simon Bako Lalong, Minister of Labour, Nkeiruka Onyeajeocha, Minister of State for Labour, met with the striking unions on Wednesday at the office of Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, who also participated in the meeting.
Labour unions had declared a nationwide strike over the brutalization of Joe Ajaero, NLC President, in Owerri, Imo State on November 1.
The organized labour is demanding the arrest and prosecution of the suspected political thugs who attacked the NLC President and other workers while protesting unpaid salaries.
The strike action which commenced on Tuesday has crippled economic activities in some parts of the country.
Speaking with journalists at the State House shortly after the meeting with the labour leaders, the Minister of Labour described the meeting as fruitful engagement.
He explained that after robust discussions, the labour leaders have agreed to report back to their constituencies and revert.
He said, “The meeting was in respect to what happened especially in Imo State and this meeting has heavy security considerations that is why we took the meeting at the office of the National Security Adviser.
“All the labour leaders were also here with us. We had a very fruitful discussion. They have also agreed to take it back home to their constituencies so that they can suspend the strike.”
Also speaking, Comrade Festus Osifo, TUC President, said the Federal Government made several appeals and promises which may lead to the suspension of the strike.
He said, “We had a robust conversation where a lot of assurances were given in furtherance to the release that was made by the NSA this morning that some people have been apprehend.
“They made several appeals and promises to us so we said let’s go back and reappraise all the conversations we have had and we will communicate accordingly.”