*Nationwide Blackout As Transmission Company Shutdown National Grid
Harder times await Nigerians reeling under rising cost of living, are also set for further impoverishment as electricity workers in Nigeria under the aegis of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) have joined the ongoing strike of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Similarly, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE) has directed it’s members to join the ongoing strike.
NLC and TUC had declared a total and indefinite nationwide strike, starting from 14th November 2023 if the government refused to address the issues involved in the assault on NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero.
The NUEE in a notice signed by Dominic Igwebike, Acting General Secretary of the Union, requested all national, State and Chapter executives to mobilize members to comply with the strike by NLC and TUC.
“With reference to NLC NEC meeting of today; 13th November 2023 and the joint communique from NLC and TUC dated 7 November 2023 on nationwide withdrawal service on 14th November 2023 if the government refused to address the issues raised from the shortfall of the atrocious event in Imo State on the 1st of November 2023, we affirm that the nationwide strike will commence as stipulated on Tuesday 14th November 2023.
“To this effect, all National, State and Chapter executives are requested to start the mobilization of our members in total compliance with this directive.
“Please note that withdrawal of Services nationwide commences from 00:00 hours of Tuesday, November 14, 2023. Please ensure total compliance,” the notice reads.
MetroBusinessNews (MBN) reports that NUBIFIE’s directive is contained in a general circular titled “Notice of Nationwide Strike/Withdrawal of Services” and addressed to all zonal councils and domestic committees of the Union.
The circular signed by Mohammed I. Sheikh, General Secretary, stated that the strike was a solidarity one over the assault on NLC President, Mr Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
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The circular reads: “The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) in their joint National Executive Council meeting today 13th November, 2023 have directed all their affiliates to commence a nationwide strike effective from 12:00 midnight 13th November, 2023 over the brutalization of the Nigeria Labour Congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo State.
“The organized labour consider the barbaric attack on Comrade Ajaero as a threat to workers’ freedom and fundamental rights to protest.
“To this end, we hereby direct all our members in all Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions to stay off duty as from tomorrow 14th November, 2023 until otherwise directed by the Congress.
“Your total compliance to this directive will be highly appreciated”.