A group operating under the aegis of the National People with Disabilities Awareness Movement (NAPAM) has cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Sunday, against embarking on its planned strike, saying such would shut down the economy, which would be against the interests of Nigerians.
At a press conference held at the Unity Fountain in Maitama, Abuja, on Sunday, the national secretary of NAPAM, Dr. Samuelson Emehibe, argued that the economic hardship plaguing the nation was a result of unimplemented economic policies in the past 16 years and shouldn’t be seen as President Bola Tinubu’s fault.
He noted that in the few months into this administration, certain steps have been taken in terms of governance direction away from the past that might cause hardship, but would in no distant time reposition the nation, insisting that, strikes or protests under any guise will abort the good tide coming the way of the nation.
Emehibe insisted that NLC’s move to embark on a strike would aggravate the already bad and volatile economy, as many businesses are already shutting down, the supply chain is disrupted, and investors’ confidence in the economy is eroded.
He said NAPAM, which comprises over 35 million people with disabilities, would idly watch a segment of the nation disrupt the economy.
He said: “Over the past 16 years, certain issues went unaddressed, leading to several misdemeanours. President Tinubu is now in charge, and he aims to reposition Nigeria for the better. We urge fellow Nigerians to give him the necessary time to implement the changes he envisions. Let us avoid selfish motivations and genuinely focus on fighting for the people’s welfare.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress chairman, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and his executive have shown a high level of disregard for the wellbeing of the citizens, especially the persons with disabilities, in Nigeria by their selfish antics of imposing industrial action without considering the humongous negative effects of the strike.
“Embarking on strike will only aggravate the nation’s already bad economic situation. The labour union has failed to consider the plight of many Nigerians who are struggling to make ends meet.”
He urged NLC, Trade Union Congress, and other groups to engage the government in dialogue.
Emehibe further said NAPAM will sue NLC should it go ahead with the planned strike.
