By Correspondent in Kaduna
In its efforts to end the rift between the organised labour and the Kaduna state government,the Federal Government has waded into the face-off to broker peace between the waring factions.
The Reporters recalls that the industrial dispute and picketing in Kaduna State by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has crippled economic activities in Kaduna and its environs.
The government appealed to the parties to return to dialogue to end the industrial dispute.
The organised Labour had commenced its five-day warning strike to protest the sack of workers by Governor Nasir el-Rufai.
The Minister of Labour and Employment Minister, Dr. Chris Ngige, appealed to El-Rufai, NLC President Ayuba Wabba, as well as President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye to immediately cease-fire.
The minister in a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Charles Akpan, said: “We are not unaware of what is going on in Kaduna. It is a labour issue which has snowballed into a national strike.
“We hope and pray the state governor not escalate matters to such a level where it becomes uncontrollable. We also appeal to the leaders of the labour unions to step down the action to make way for discussion.”
The minister also appealed to all workers on essential duties, including doctors and nurses, not to join the strike.
EL-RUFAI, however,has sacked the Kaduna State University’s lecturers who joined the strike.
A statement by his spokesman, Muyiwa Adekeye, said any academic staff of KASU that did not report for work would be dismissed.
The governor ordered the management to submit a copy of the attendance register for all categories of staff daily to the Secretary to the State Government and the Commissioner of Education.
Also, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies must tender daily copies of the attendance register to the Head of Service.
El-Rufai vowed to reform and right-size the public service to meet the needs and resources of the state, even if the strike continues indefinitely.
The Organised labour,on it’s part,has dared the governor despite threats made to the NLC President and other members of the union.
The labour leader also dared el-Rufai to come and arrest him after he was declared wanted by the governor.
“It is not about me. We are here and waiting for them,” the NLC President said in a telephone chat, moments after el-Rufai declared him wanted for economic sabotage,”he said.
