BEVERLY HILLS, June 22, (THEWILL) – Organised Labour Movement in the country has called on Nigerians to stand up with one voice and fight those promoting division on the basis of primordial affinity in the country declaring that the sovereignty of Nigeria is non-negotiable.
This was declared on Wednesday at a news conference jointly addressed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Civil Society Allies on the state of the nation in Abuja.
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, speaking at the conference called on Nigerian workers, pensioners and peasants not to allow themselves to be used as cannon folders for the selfish interest of those fighting against the unity and sovereignty of Nigeria on the drum beats of war.
Wabba said that over the decades, labour had stood for “one Nigeria” and is still committed to the values of the founding fathers declaring that the labour movement was determined to stop those throwing the nation to another avoidable civil war.
“You have been witnesses to the degeneration of the national conversation into threats and counter-threats; pulling down the federation by some desperate forces and which are being conveyed in vile and base language,” he said.
“These persistent hot exchange and attacks tend to threaten the foundation and integrity of our sovereignty and unity. These do not represent the true feelings of patriotic Nigerians for one another.
“Rather, they symbolise the intensity of greed, implacable arrogance, and desperation of the elites, some of whom have been sponsoring the hate campaigns that can only lead to the disintegration of our dear nation.
“Thus, those fanning the embers of disunity needs to be discouraged and schooled on the realities of war, we appeal to all Nigerians
“We should therefore look at positive options, peaceful, rigorous and altruistic of reforming the system. We will continue to underscore the need for good governance in our country as a basis for any realistic development and eventual emancipation of our people.
“As the issues in contention can be resolved through good governance, sustainable and transparent fight against corruption and addressing inequities and injustice in the system,” he said.
On his part, the TUC President, Bobboi Kaigama, called for the accountability of the electorate in the country and government to set up a strong think-tank to look at the 2014 National Conference report saying it was vital for development and stability of the country.
