NLC strike fails

The planned nationwide workers’ strike called by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on Wednesday has failed in Taraba.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that apart some critical state and federal government establishments as well as other organisations are carrying out their regular day-to-day day activities.

NAN learnt that some state establishments like the Civil Service Commission, Board of Internal Revenue and the state secretariat remain open despite the NLC’s action.

NAN also observed that all commercial banks, private schools, markets, filling stations and federal owned tertiary institutions, among others, were performing their regular duties.

Mr Haruna Garba, a civil servant, told NAN that the strike was unnecessary.

"My brother, there is no need for this strike because the Federal Government has proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

"You cannot continue to pay tax payers money to rich oil dealers for services they have not rendered.``Fuel subsidy is a fraud and it must be removed,” he said.

Ms Abigail James, an Accountant, said the officials of the NLC were no longer reliable.

"Look, Labour can no longer be using and dumping us for their selfish interest.

"You can’t be inviting people for strike, only for you to go through the back door and receive bribe.

"You may recall that in 2012, Labour called for strike, but at the end they went and negotiated for themselves rather than Nigerians,” she said.

Mr Raymond Enoch, a Development worker, blamed the non-compliance on lack of proper co-ordination from the NLC.

Reacting to the development, the state NLC Chairman, Mr Peter Gambo, however said there was partial, not total, compliance with the strike in the state.

Gambo also noted that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had since withdrawn from the strike. He, however, said the NLC would continue to negotiate with the Federal Government against the hike in pump price of petrol.