By Eberechi Obinagwam
The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has called on the Federal Government to avoid all forms of intimidation and to be transparent in the conduct of the forthcoming General Elections.
The TUC particularly appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to be impartial, having the interest of all Nigerians at heart and urged the police, the military and other security agents to be professional in discharging their duties since no position is worth the blood of innocent civilians.
Speaking to journalists after an executive meeting held to deliberate on the state of the nation and the challenges confronting the labour movement, the union commended the House of Representatives for approving N30,000.00 as minimum wage. It called on the Senate to do the same without any further delay.
TUC President, Comrade Bobboi Bola Kaigama stated that NEC at the meeting resolved as follows:
1. The NEC-in-session reiterates that the law establishing the National Law Advisory Council (NLAC) should be reviewed to include major Stakeholders, e.g TUC. Also Warns that TUC will no longer tolerate the violation of the trade union rights of its members to representation, collective bargaining and be consulted on labour matters in the country.
2. The NEC-in-session reiterates the rate of insecurity in the country. The Congress, therefore, called on Federal Government to intensify efforts to make sure that killings; kidnapping and insurgency in the country are totally wiped out and save the country from total collapse.
3. The NEC-in-session frowns at the proposed increase of international passport and Drivers license by the Federal Government. It, therefore, called on the Federal Government to maintain the status quo and formulate policies that will be more beneficial to the masses.
4. NEC-in-session commended the Federal Government for the fight against corruption in the Country. And therefore called on the Federal Government to respect the rule of law when doing so.