Nigeria's Governor Outlaws Workers Rights

Taraba State Governor outlaws workers’ right to protest

 

“I want to state here that individuals or groups wanting to embark on any form of demonstration in the state without government approval are warned to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law,” Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr Illiya Bekyu said .

He warned  parents and guardians against allowing their children to take to the streets for protest on behalf of their teachers.

“The state government is particularly warning parents and some individuals who want to use little children as shield during demonstrations in pressing for whatever demands to refrain from such act or be prosecuted,” he noted.

He warned that any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine the credibility of the government would not be tolerated and anyone caught in such act would be treated as a saboteur.

The ban comes  four days after primary school teachers in the state  protested the non-payment of their salaries, now running into eight months.

The teachers  were joined in the protest by their pupils.

Meanwhile, Mr Peter Gambo, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress  (NLC), Taraba Chapter, described the governor’s directive as a mere threat.

Gambo said workers in the state would not be intimidated by the governor’s statement.

He said because workers have  the right to protest,  the governor’s directive would not be  obeyed by the union members.

“To avert any form of protest in the state, the government must endeavour to settle all salary  arrears  meant for public servants.

“This is the only way the organised labour can desist from embarking on peaceful demonstrations,” he said.

Labour and human rights activists considered the decision of the governor to be a violation of Nigeria’s commitment to the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights  adopted by the United Nations in 1967.