NBA Backs Labour’s Decision To End Strike

NBA PRESIDENT, JOSEPH DAUDU, SAN

ABUJA, January 16, (THEWILL) - The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Monday in a statement said it backs the decision of labour unions to call of the countrywide strike called to protest the increase in the price of petrol.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called off the strike Monday afternoon during a press conference.

The NBA statement by President, Joseph Daudu, SAN directed members to resume their law practices and advised that government views the protests that visited the sudden withdrawal of fuel subsidy as spontaneous and not a politically motivated response as is the thinking in certain quarters.

“Exactly a week ago, the nation was plunged into an organised labour protest over the sudden and inexplicable withdrawal of petroleum subsidy by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. In the vanguard of this protest were the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
 
“The two organisations were comprehensively supported by civil societies (Nigerian Bar Association inclusive) and other stakeholders in the Nigeria project and the protest was implemented by way of strikes, demonstrations and other forms of peaceful dissent in consonance with the letter and spirit of the fundamental law of the land to wit; the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as duly amended….,” he said.

Daudu noted that “these protests which had unprecedented nationwide coverage and support, demonstrated the nation’s outrage at the sudden escalation of the pump price of PMS from N65 to N141. The economic implications for the majority of impoverished Nigerians were uppermost in the minds of these stakeholders.
 
“In response, the Nigerian Bar Association acting on the outcomes of her Eket Declaration in November 2011 on this matter directed her members to join the protest/strike action in solidarity with Nigerians led ably by the organised labour movements referred to above. Now that organised labour NLC & TUC have suspended the strike action the Nigerian Bar Association wishes to place on record the following remarks as it relates thereto.
 
“On the suspension of the strike Daudu stated that “the position of the NBA on the controversial removal of fuel subsidy remains as approved by NBA/NEC at it Eket meeting in November 2011. With the benefit of hindsight the NBA position remains the most pragmatic and reasonable in the circumstances. In sum, the NBA has proposed a phased withdrawal of subsidy with the proceeds being used to optimize the production capacity of our refineries, the execution of capital projects and the alleviation of the peoples suffering.

“However with the reduction in the pump price to N97 as announced by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces Dr Goodluck Jonathan GCFR this morning i.e. 16th January 2012 in addition to other steps to be taken by Government to demonstrate good governance, the NBA has no option other than support the stance of organised labour in suspending the strike action for the sole purpose of facilitating comprehensive negotiation on the subject matter between Government and Nigerians…

“Members are hereby notified that all restrictions as previously announced relating to their ability to appear in court during the strike/protest are hereby lifted…

“Members of the Bar who willingly and voluntarily complied with the Bar’s directive are free to commence their practice in court or outside forthwith without any constraint on their right so to do…

“Members are hereby notified that all restrictions as previously announced relating to their ability to appear in court during the strike/protest are hereby lifted…

“Members of the Bar who willingly and voluntarily complied with the Bar’s directive are free to commence their practice in court or outside forthwith without any constraint on their right so to do…

 “Government should view the protests that visited the sudden withdrawal of fuel subsidy as spontaneous and not a politically motivated response as is the thinking in certain quarters…

 “It is hoped that adequate remedies due and payable to their families will be one of the main points for discussion before the Belgore Commission or Panel,” the statement added.