Senator Shehu Sani representing Kaduna Central District in the Senate has warned the federal government against intimidating the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, and its leader over the strike action in protest of the increment in fuel price.
Mr. Sani condemned the government’s “campaign of calumny and blackmail” against the unionists, lauding the effort of the union in fighting for the betterment and right of the masses.
Mr. Sani in a statement issued on Wednesday said: “Campaign of calumny and blackmail against the NLC and Labour leaders simply for speaking out and standing up for their traditional constituents must stop,”
He continued: “We joined and applauded the NLC for leading a mass protest against increase in pump prices of petroleum products in the past.
“It’s hypocritical to condemn them now for their principled stand on same issue. Our quests for justice and equity must not depend upon the Government or persons in power but must depend upon the matters of principles at hand,” the lawmaker said.
He added: “The cloud of intimidation and blackmail against people for expressing their objections must end. We are now in a state whereby dissent is equated to disloyalty.
“We must learn to tolerate views and positions different from our own no matter how unpopular. If we must all agree on all issues at all times, democracy couldn’t have been ‘invented’.
“Democracy guarantees every citizen the fundamental right to free speech and to objection and this must be respected.”
“It’s imperative for our people to understand that the political class define and view social justice in the colours of their personal interest.
“Those who stood against increase in price of petroleum products yesterday and stood for it today have betrayed the very principle which they claimed to represent.
“If for political convenience we choose to divide or destroy the Labour unions today, we will be harming the very organ that stands as the guardian of democracy.
“Increase in pump price of petroleum products does nothing other than add to the suffering of Nigerians but those in support of it have the constitutional rights to revere their chains.
“Unjust policies must not be beclouded by political interests and political convenience,”
While calling for the Labour leaders to continue with the good fight and in dialogue with the Federal government, Sani “unambiguously condemn all acts of treacherous intimidation against the leaders of Nigerian workers”.