NLC, TUC kick as El-Rufai evicts workers from govt quarters
//Labour: Godwin Ekosin, Kaduna, N/w Nigeria//
Following the recent 7-day ultimatum given to civil servants by Kaduna State government to quit government quarters honourably or face eviction, Nigeria Labolur Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), had at a joint press briefing in Kaduna on Monday described the development as abuse of workers’ right.
The labour unions through Comr. Adamu Ango, and Comr. Shehu Mohammed the State Chapter Chairmen of NLC and TUC respect said, the notice given by the State government was not only gross abuse of the right the Civil Servants, but also transcends the laid down laws guiding Tenants and Landlord in the country.
According to them, the law establishing Kaduna State rent tribunal where all matters relating to tenancy is settled, stipulated that three months’ notice must be given to any tenant before any eviction can be carried out. In view of this, the Union called on all its members occupying government quarters in the state to disregard the eviction order and remain in the premises.
“We have put all our members on alert because taken by the Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai led government which is nothing but to intimidate the workers in the state.
“We have taken all diplomatic steps to ensure that the Governor sees reason but all in vain. So we are calling on all our members to stay put at same time calling the state government to prepare their Arsenal because we are ready to sacrifice our lives to protect our members.”
The labour leaders also expressed worries over the recent retrenchment and restructure policy of the state government, saying it is a plot to kick some civil servant out of service.
Specifically, Comr. Shehu stressed that, when the state government presented its organogram we rejected it but the same organogram is being used by the state government against civil servants.
According to him, Kaduna State Property Development Company which has a list of 60 personnel has been reduced to 14 while SUEB with staff strength of 300 is now reduced to 34. “Some of our members have already been sent to the office of the Head of Service where they are doing nothing and in the end the government may decide to terminate their appointments saying their services are no longer needed.
“Therefore the restructure is not acceptable to us and cannot hold because we are going to fight against it” he stated.