The Joint Labour Movement in Osun State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), has cautioned against what it described as evil intentions and ongoing witch-hunting of trade union leaders in the state.
In a joint statement signed by Comrade (Dr.) Christopher A. Arapasopo (mpi), Chairperson of NLC; Comrade ’Bimbo Fasasi, Chairman of TUC; and Comrade Lekan Adediran, Chairman of JNPSNC, the movement called on all security agencies to guarantee the safety and security of Osun workers, labour leaders, and their affiliates.
The unions emphasized that workers must be allowed to operate freely without fear of harm or intimidation, warning that any attempt to harass or humiliate labour leaders would be strongly resisted.
According to the statement, the planned molestation, humiliation, and arrest of some labour leaders within the state was viewed as “a calculated attempt to weaken and destabilize the labour movement.”
“We will not sit idly by while the rights and freedoms of our members are trampled upon with impunity by agencies that ought to enforce the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the statement read. “We will not hesitate to take all necessary industrial actions to protect the integrity and independence of the labour movement.”
The Labour Movement also rejected attempts to compel workers to resume duties at the local government council secretariats when, according to them, their safety could not be guaranteed.
Reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and interests of workers and the masses, the Joint Labour Movement said it would not be cowed or intimidated by desperate efforts to silence the voice of labour in the state.
“We stand firm in our resolve to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law in our beloved state,” the statement concluded.
