The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has recently fired Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy. The NLC has strongly criticized Onanuga, referring to him as “the tragedy of a nation.” This decision came after Onanuga condemned the union strike and made controversial statements regarding the NLC President, Joe Ajaero.
The NLC responded to Onanuga’s allegations in a statement titled “Bayo Onanuga’s Mischief and the Tragedy of a Nation.” The union clarified that the strike was not about ego or a personal matter involving Ajaero, but rather about the government’s failure to address the plight of workers and Nigerians. They accused Onanuga of making “sadistic comments” and suggested that his remarks reflected the views of those in power.
According to the NLC, the strike was a response to the government’s disregard for workers’ rights and the license for impunity that covers murder and attempted murder of dissenting voices, including Ajaero. They criticized Onanuga for his lack of awareness regarding the government’s responsibility towards the people. The NLC emphasized that organized labor had shown uncommon patience with a government that implemented policies causing social violence, upheaval, and punishment for Nigerians.
The NLC expressed concern over the arrest and torture of Joe Ajaero, considering it as state-sponsored acts of terror. They accused the government of testing the waters to see if they could get away with such actions. The NLC called for an honest and thorough investigation conducted by competent and independent professionals, as they deemed the government’s investigation to be a charade. They criticized the police’s involvement in the investigation, stating that they cannot be both the judge, jury, and jailer in their own case.
The NLC asserted that they would not be intimidated by any threats or force, emphasizing that no government can be bigger than the people it presides over. They warned Onanuga and those who sent him that they would not be cowed, regardless of the resources at their disposal. The NLC also cautioned laborers who prioritize their principals’ interests over winning friends for them, indicating that such individuals will be closely monitored.