FG intervenes in labour/Kaduna face-off, calls for ceasefire

The Federal Government on Tuesday intervened in the ongoing industrial action in Kaduna State led by the Nigeria Labour Congress, which had crippled economic activities in the state.
The government appealed to the parties to give peace a chance and end the dispute through dialogue.
The warning strike is to protest the sacking of workers by Governor Nasir el-Rufai, which entered its second day on Tuesday.
Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, appealed to Governor El-Rufai, President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, as well as President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Quadri Olaleye, to immediately cease fire.
In a statement by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Charles Akpan, the Minister said the appeal became necessary following threat by electricity workers to withdraw service nationwide.
The statement read in part, “We are not unaware of what is going on in Kaduna State. It is a labour issue, which has snowballed into a national strike and picketing by the two labour centres and affiliate unions.
“We hope and also pray the Kaduna state Governor not to escalate matters to such a level where it becomes uncontrollable. We also appeal the to the leaders of the labour centres to step down action to make way for discussion.
“My ministry is wading into the matter and therefore calls on the two warring parties to give peace a chance.”