Labour unions in Taraba State and Gov Darius
Ishaku may be poised for a showdown over the
ban on protests and demonstrations announced
by the governor on Saturday.
The Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr Illiya Bekyu
made the announcement in Jalingo, on behalf of
Ishaku.
But Mr Peter Gambo, the Chairman of Nigeria
Labour Congress (NLC), Taraba Chapter, has
swiftly responded by describing the governor’s
directive as a mere threat.
Gambo said workers in the state would not be
intimidated by the governor’s statement.
He said because workers have the right to
protest, the governor’s directive would not be
obeyed by the union members.
“To avert any form of protest in the state, the
government must endeavour to settle all salary
arrears meant for public servants.
“This is the only way the organised labour can
desist from embarking on peaceful
demonstrations,” he said.
Governor Ishaku said any group or individuals
that wanted to protest must seek government
approval before embarking on such exercise.
The ban comes four days after primary school
teachers in the state protested the non-payment
of their salaries, now running into eight months.
The teachers were joined in the protest by their
pupils.
“I want to state here that individuals or groups
wanting to embark on any form of demonstration
in the state without government approval are
warned to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of
the law,” he said.
He warned parents and guardians against
allowing their children to take to the streets for
protest on behalf of their teachers.
“The state government is particularly warning
parents and some individuals who want to use
little children as shield during demonstrations in
pressing for whatever demands to refrain from
such act or be prosecuted,” he noted.
He warned that any attempt by individuals or
groups to undermine the credibility of the
government would not be tolerated and anyone
caught in such act would be treated as a
saboteur.
(NAN)