Pockets of anti-labour protests emerged in Kaduna on Wednesday.
They protested the power blackout, lack of water and other inconveniences caused by the five-day warning strike organised by the Nigerian Labour Congress which entered day three.
The protesters in support of Kaduna state government accused the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) of causing total blackout and untold hardship to the residents, while sabotaging the economy, which has been without power, fuel, water and other essentials for three days running.
The anti-labour protest took place at NEPA Roundabout, the same spot where NLC members’ protest took place on Tuesday before it was disrupted by hired thugs. Women, youth and children where seen holding placards to protest against the ongoing NLC strike.
The protesters also carried several placards listing the achievements of Governor Nasir el-Rufai which includes payment of loan and gratuities to retired workers worth N14 billion, payment of scholarship and introduction of loan scheme to students and among others.
The day three of NLC strike saw the labour workers led by NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba supported by other labour leaders protest from the Kaduna state Secretariat of NLC on Golf Course road to Independence Way with the labour leaders and workers chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with messages condemning anti-workers policies of government.
Meanwhile, thugs on Wednesday attempted to invade the Kaduna state NLC Secretariat to disrupt the peaceful protest by the workers, but they were thwarted by the police who made some arrests. The thugs were believed to be carrying dangerous weapons.
When contacted to confirm whether there were thug attacks and any arrest, the Kaduna state Police Public Relations Officer PPRO, ASP Muhammad Jalige said that there was an attempt by some hoodlums to launch attack on peaceful protesters, but police officers guarding the NLC premises repelled the thugs and made some arrest.
“We have been able to arrest some of them and investigation is ongoing to that effect,” the PPRO said.
