The Kaduna State government has asked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to restore electricity in the state before any dialogue can take place.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), had disconnected power in the state since Sunday, in compliance with the five-day warning strike called by the NLC.
However, labour unions suspended the industrial action on Wednesday, following a request for negotiation by the Federal Government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday night, Muyiwa Adekeye, media adviser to the governor, said the government will not engage in negotiations with the NLC until power is restored.
“The Kaduna State Government is yet to see evidence that the NLC is backing off from its campaign of economic and social sabotage against the people of the State,” the statement reads.
“Electric power is yet to be restored, after it was shut down at dawn on Sunday, 16th May 2021, in brazen violation of the laws protecting essential services and infrastructure.
“That action removed any basis for state government officials to meet the NLC last Sunday. Denying our people electricity about 18 hours to the advertised commencement of their organised sabotage was akin to putting a gun on the government’s head. Government has a lawful duty not to indulge blackmail.
“Restoring electricity is vital to relieving some of the pain that needless acts of lawlessness have inflicted on our people. The unimpeded provision of essential services is vital to civilised order.
“Those who have disrupted it should promptly reverse themselves, not expect that it will be a matter for negotiation, much less viewed as a precondition. KDSG will not participate in such a negotiation or countenance one whilst our people are still being denied their right to electricity.”
Discussion about this post