In a stern rebuke, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has chastised members of the Organised Labour for their actions during the recent nationwide strike for a new minimum wage and the restoration of old electricity tariffs.
Speaking at the National Executive Council meeting of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, Akume urged Labour to exercise caution in their demands, stating that the shutdown of the National Grid by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) amounted to treasonable felony.
Akume reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians but lamented the loss of revenue incurred by the Federal Government due to the actions of the Organised Labour.
The Senate also expressed concern over the implications of the National Grid shutdown and the disruption of hajj flights during the strike.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio emphasized on Tuesday that shutting down the grid was akin to economic sabotage rather than legitimate agitation for workers’ rights.
Labour initiated the shutdown of the National Grid on Monday as part of their industrial action but restored it on Tuesday following the relaxation of the strike to continue negotiations for a new minimum wage.