Cross River NLC gives condition on proposed picketing of CBN, Calabar
The Cross River State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has given conditions on the proposed picketing of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) office in Calabar on Wednesday March 29, 2023 as announced by the President of the NLC, Comrade Joseph Ajaero over the inability of the apex bank to release enough old and new Naira notes to commercial banks to ease the suffering of Nigerians.
Comrade Gregory Olayi, the Cross River State NLC chairman who also doubles as Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) chairman made the comment during a radio broadcast on FAD 93.1 FM in Calabar on Tuesday that the NLC is set to shut down all Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) offices nationwide from Wednesday March 29, 2023 if the seven-day ultimatum given to the Federal Government by the congress for the CBN and Commercial Banks to end the current cash crunch in the country fails.
Recall the congress had threatened to embark on nationwide industrial action if the cash crunch, fuel scarcity and electricity tariff increases were not addressed.
The NLC opted to picket all CBN offices in the country when Naira and fuel scarcity caused untold hardship on Nigerians.
The organized labour leader said the congress would also direct its members to observe a sit-at-home order should the scarcity persist.
Meanwhile, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator (Dr.) Chris Ngige has taken steps to avert the impending nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday.
In response to the strike threat by the NLC, Ngige invited the leadership of the congress and CBN management to a meeting in his office on Monday to resolve their differences.
The Ten-man delegation of the NLC was led by the president, Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja while the CBN Governor Mr. Godwin Emefiele was accompanied by two Deputy Governors, Kingsley Obiora- (Economic Policy) and Ade Shonubi (organized-private sector).
In his remarks at the meeting, the CBN said it had directed all deposit banks to open their branches on Saturday and Sundays to make cash available to customers and they have complied under the strict supervision by the CBN.
Leadership of the NLC through the National Executive Committee (NEC) are meeting today Tuesday March 28th 2023 where members from the states and Local Government Areas are expected to report on the availability of money after which a decision will be taken on the strike.
The Minister has however assured all Nigerians that whether the NLC is embarking on the dispute of right or dispute of interest, the dispute has been apprehended and can only result in more dialogue.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
