House of Representatives Takes Urgent Action to Resolve Ongoing Labour Strike
By Matthew Eloyi
In a decisive move, the House of Representatives adjourned plenary proceedings midway to address the pressing issue of the ongoing strike initiated by organized labour.
The decision, reached after the consideration and adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, was spearheaded by Deputy Speaker Hon. Benjamin Kalu during Wednesday’s resumed plenary.
Under the umbrella of matters of urgent public importance, Kalu urged the House’s leadership to initiate discussions with their Senate counterparts, followed by engagement with the leadership of organized labour represented by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). The objective is to broker an amicable resolution to the industrial action.
During the ensuing debate on the motion, several lawmakers expressed their concerns about the adverse effects of the strike on the Nigerian populace, emphasizing the need for immediate steps to end the impasse.
In his ruling just before the adjournment, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen announced that the House’s leadership would convene a meeting with their Senate counterparts. He encouraged members to individually contribute efforts to address the critical situation at hand.
As a result, all items originally slated for consideration on the Order Paper were temporarily suspended. The House is set to reconvene on the next legislative day, scheduled for Thursday. This strategic move underscores the commitment of the House of Representatives to swiftly engage in dialogue and take practical measures to bring an end to the ongoing labour strike, prioritizing the welfare of the Nigerian masses.