Despite a court order obtained by the Federal government to halt the proposed industrial action by organized labor, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) are instructing their members to initiate a nationwide strike starting at midnight on Tuesday, November 14. The court order was in response to the protest against the attack on Comrade Joe Ajaero in Imo State on November 1st.

The strike declaration, announced by TUC President Festus Osifo on Monday, emphasized that all affiliate unions of the two labor centers must implement the resolutions of the joint National Executive Council of TUC and NLC. Osifo stated that the strike would persist until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”

Osifo, addressing reporters, demanded the removal and prosecution of the area commander who led the police in the assault and the arrest and prosecution of Governor Hope Uzodinma’s SA on Special Duties, Chinasa Nwaneri, implicated in leading the attackers. The labor leaders extended an initial ultimatum, and after a joint session last week, they decided to give the government an additional week before declaring the nationwide strike, which is now set to commence at midnight.

Osifo emphasized the gravity of their demands and expressed disappointment in the government’s response to the situation. The strike, according to the joint NEC decision, will be indefinite until the government addresses their concerns.