NLC/TUC Strike: Ignore NPF's purported press release ordering you to work, stand by Labour Unions, N'Delta Activist, Israel Joe urges workers

As the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and Trade Union Congress,TUC embark on a nationwide strike to press home their demands, Niger Delta Human Rights Activist, Comrade Israel Joe today, Monday, said workers should ignore purported press release by the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) wherein it allegedly directed/ ordered workers to go to work. 

In a statement signed and made   available to our  Correspondent by  Comrade Joe said, the workers should stand by the dictates of the organised Labour Unions. 

According to the statement, the NPF has no right whatsoever by law to issue directives to organised labour.

Part of the statement reads:"It  is important to let the Police know  that there is a difference between  protest and strike action. 

Whereas protest connotes mass peaceful movement to dramatise dissatisfaction, strike action means silent withdrawal of services or staying at home- refusal to work".

According to the statement, the NPF cannot force anyone from their homes  to go to work.

Part of the statement reads:" Nigeria  workers should, therefore, ignore such press release and stand by the dictates of  organised  labour. I  dare the Nigeria Police Force to state where it derives her powers to give orders to Nigeria workers."

According the statement, the Nigeria Police Force should also define to the public the meaning of legal procedures as stated in their press release.

Part of the statement further reads:" The  Nigeria Police Force should also define to the public the meaning of following legal procedures as stated in their press release.

"I don't know when the Police descend so low to interfering with issues that concern labour/strike actions to the extent of releasing such a distasteful and disgraceful press release".

Comrade Israel Joe called on the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun and the Police9 authorities should  be on the side of the people for the sake of posterity rather than  being coerced into the unpardonable sentiment of selfish operations. 

It would be recalled that the Nigeria Police Force(NPF) purportedly issued a press release, directing workers to go about their normal daily activities as their men have been deployed to ensure their safety to forestall any breakdown of law and order.