The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has knocked the Secretary to Government of Federation (SGF), George Akume, over his reaction to the recently suspended nationwide strike it embarked upon with the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

In a press release signed by its head, information and public affairs, Benson Ipah, on Friday, the NLC told the SGF that the treasonable felons and economic saboteurs were those who wear “agbada” and move in a “convoy.”

According to the statement, Mr Ipah who told the AGF that labour’s industrial action was protected by the constitution, warned that his comment undermines the constructive dialogue needed to address the faceoff.

The NLC, in the statement, said, “The SGF, we are sure, clearly knows those whose actions are treasonable and sabotage our economy.

“Those who loot our treasury around the country, those who divert public resources meant for hospitals and schools; those who are involved in foreign exchange round tripping; padding of budgets and inflating contracts including those who steal trillions of Naira in the name of subsidy are the real economic saboteurs who commit treasonable felony.

“These people are in costly Agbada and drive in convoys all around the nation occupying the corridors of power and not innocent workers who are not slaves but chose to withdraw their services because of the inhuman treatment meted on them by the Government,” Mr Ipah explained.

Stating that it was “disheartening that the SGF, a high-ranking government official, would make statements that trivialize the genuine grievances of Nigerian workers, the NLC said that, “his assertion that he cannot afford to pay each of his four drivers ₦100,000 monthly is a stark reminder of the disconnect between the government and the realities faced by ordinary Nigerians.”

He stated that such statements won’t help resolve the issues at hand but rather exacerbate tensions, adding that it is clear he “pays his personal staff starvation wages and may be telling us that he is a slave master. We may have to remind him that a 50kg bag of rice is N88,000 which leaves the worker with just N12,000 if he is to pay the paltry sum, he claims that he is unable to pay.”

The union said it “wonders what the SGF does with four drivers alone? We would also want to know what work justifies the huge salaries and allowances the SGF takes home all the time? Do we need to wonder too far why we are here as a nation when you have individuals with this mindset occupying sensitive positions in the corridors of power?”

“It is unfortunate that the SGF who presides over the Administration of the Executive arm of government, which is one of the basic pillars of democracy and is supposed to be a protector and defender of democracy, its various institutions and practices would be seen making statements that negate these traditions and principles,” the union stated.

The NLC said citizens are supposed to feel the pulse of the president through his office, hence he should show more understanding in his utterances and actions at all times.

Rejecting the insinuations behind the SGF’s remarks about strikes which are not only legal but also a civic duty, the NLC expressed surprise “that the SGF will demonstrate such a glaring sense of unawareness to the understanding of the fact that when workers withdraw their services which is their right, machines cannot operate themselves so, they grind to a halt.”

It admonished highly-placed officials in government “to understand this basic fact and act or speak within its confines. It is a recognised instrument historically and worldwide available to the citizenry and indeed workers to hold governance accountable thus press home their interests.’

“It is, therefore, a positive socioeconomic tool that is natural to the democratic process, which allows nation states to continue to adjust, prevent and protect the prevalence of dictatorship and social implosion,” it insisted.

Noting that respectful and productive negotiations can’t occur under duress, the NLC reminded the AGF that, “The events of last week, where labour leaders were surrounded by military personnel during a negotiation exercise in the SGF’s office, were a clear violation of our rights and an intimidation tactic that has no place in a democratic society,” adding that, “We cannot and will not negotiate under such conditions which is what the SGF’s comments portend.”

The NLC, therefore, urged the SGF to “retract his regrettable statements and to approach the ongoing negotiation with the seriousness and respect it deserves” because “the path to resolving these issues lies in genuine dialogue and a commitment to addressing the legitimate concerns of Nigerian workers.

The union, while calling on the government to engage with it in good faith, without threats and intimidation, expresses worry that “the denials of the purpose of the military’s presence in the last negotiation exercise and the ensuing assurances that this sad statement, may be an additional proof of what the original intentions may have been.”

“We truly fear for the safety of the lives of our leaders and would want to be reassured to the contrary if we are to continue with this round of negotiation, especially when the government has not offered Nigerian workers anything tangible since after relaxing the nationwide strike,” it said.

The union restated its resolve to advocate for the rights and welfare of workers, insisting that it stands firm in its demands, which it will continue to pursue through legitimate means.

“We will not surrender the trust and confidence Nigerian workers and people have bestowed on us to blackmail by the SGF or any other official. Our commitment is to Nigeria, Nigerian workers and peoples and this will continue driving our engagement,” the NLC insisted.