Our strike action is in its 8th month. As we press on with the struggle, members are saluted for remaining steadfast in the face of deprivations occasioned by the stoppage of our salaries. We have demonstrated to our maligners that we are a group of principled men and women who cannot be intimidated. This resolve has started yielding fruits as demonstrated by series of engagements with us by relevant stakeholders and agents of government.
In the last two weeks, we have had two engagements with the leadership of House of Representatives, led by the Honourable Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila. The enggagements have been useful and illuminating, and all the parties agreed that negotiation is the sustainable way out of the current impasse. The distraction of the referral by the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment to the National Industrial Court (NIC) had been responded to promptly and appropriately. The interlocutory injunction had been appealed, in addition to a stay of execution. Consequently, we are not in violation of that order by remaining on our strike.
We remain hopeful that the issues under consideration will receive a favourable consideration and approval of Mr. President. The days ahead would be critical to our struggle as some overzealous public officers who are bent on undermining our struggle would not easily give up. However, we are l encouraged by the development of the past week, and all that is expected of us now is to be eternally vigilant and resolute to pursue this struggle to a logical conclusion. The Union is expecting feedback from the engagements of the leadership of the House of Representatives with Mr. President in the coming days.
Please avoid the temptation of relying on social media for information as that may not be helpful or useful at this period. Therefore, always get information from the structures of the Union.
A people united cannot be defeated.
The struggle continues!!!.
Signed
Emmanuel Osodeke
