Ngige threatens NLC leadership with lawsuit over invasion of his home

The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has been ordered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, to apologise over the invasion of his private residence.

Ngige also ordered the President of the (NLC) Comrade Ayuba Wabba, to make his apology to him in seven days or face legal actions.

According to Ngige in a statement on Thursday by his media aide, Nwachukwu Obidiwe, the invasion and obstruction of the private residence of the Minister of Labour and Employment is illegal and inexcusable under the guise of unionism.

The statement by Ngige reads thus; “The thrust of today’s (yesterday’s) press conference by the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba, is predictable.

“Hence, we succinctly wish to respond that the sanctity of the provisions of Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution on the rights of all Nigerians to private life cannot be annulled by inferior provisions of the Labour Act on picketing.

Read also: SENATE PRESIDENCY: Again, Ndume insists on contesting, says Lawan was recommended, not imposed

“The invasion and obstruction of the private residence of the Minister of Labour and Employment, preventing him, his wife, children and families of his personal aides, quartered in the same compound and throwing them into huge trauma, is illegal and inexcusable under the guise of unionism.

“Worse, when Comrade Ayuba Wabba, with ferocious-looking drivers and thugs, invaded the house of the minister by 4 o’clock in the morning, blocking the entrance with two 33,000 litre-capacity tankers fully laden with premium motor spirit (petrol), the NLC leader was certainly not picketing. His conduct is arson with a clear intention to cause maximum destruction.

“Besides, it is important to remind the NLC that it is outside the ambit of its powers to issue directives to the Federal Government on how to carry out its responsibilities. Plans are on for the inauguration of the board of the NSITF, and it shall take place soonest.

“The minister is consulting on the appropriate legal actions against this illegality by the NLC, and is giving them seven days to tender unreserved apology or face the consequences.”

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now