*Pix above{r…l}: PBAT and Bayo Onanuga
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The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy,
Bayo Onanuga, has warned that the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union
Congress, and other groups that shut down the national grid should be thankful
that Nigeria is not under a military regime.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria announced the complete
shutdown of Nigeria’s power grid by labour unions as the strike by the NLC and
TUC began.
NLC and TUC initiated a nationwide industrial action on Monday
to protest against the Federal Government’s proposal of a N60,000 minimum wage.
In a statement released on Monday morning by TCN spokesperson,
Ndidi Mbah, the transmission company announced the deliberate shutdown of the national
power grid by the workers.
But reacting to this during an interview with TVC News on Monday, Onanuga explained that the
nation is in a civilian regime that allows for freedom of expression.
He warned that the labour leaders exceeded their authority, advising the unionists to
exercise greater responsibility in their requests.
“Labour should view itself as a partner with the Federal
Government, not as an adversary to the Federal Government,” he stated.
He continued, “Labour should be thankful to God that we are not
in a military regime. We are in a civilian regime that allows for freedom of
expression.
“I think that labour overstepped their bounds by shutting down
the national grid. At a time when we are complaining about the lack of power, I
think that act is extreme. Again, you’re not supposed to shut down the airports
on everyone else. Joining the strike should be voluntary.
” I will appeal to labour to be more responsible in their
reaction. They cannot be asking for what they are asking for. It is
unrealistic,” he bemoaned./PLEASE SHARE
