Loveth Okolie
The 19 members of Northern Governors Forum, NGF. have called for calm and dialogue by Kaduna State and the organised labour, in resolving purported plans by the Gov. Nasiru El-Rufai to right-size its workforce.
The Chairman of the forum and governor of Plateau, Mr Simon Lalong, made the call in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham on Tuesday in Jos.
He said the forum was concerned of the impact of the strike on the state and its residents, following the lockdown of economic activities in the state.
The chairman noted that dialogue and negotiations was an effective tool to address dispute in labour relations, calling for restraint and de-escalation of the situation to enable amicable resolutions.
He pointed out that peaceful resolution was only possible when both parties operate within the law in ventilating their grievances, explaining that inciting comments and some actions would further aggravate the situation and increase tension.
Lalong urged the labour leaders to guard against the hijack of its protests by hoodlums, who may want to take advantage of the situation to cause destruction to lives and properties.
He also tasked security agencies to ensure the enforcement of law and order in Kaduna,to protect Kaduna people and their properties.
President of the Nigeria Labor Congress, Comrade Ayuba Wabba has declared a five days strike in Kaduna, beginning on 17th May, following the sack of workers in the state without due process.
NLC has shut down power supply in the state, airport operations and other commercial activities.
