By Uzair Adam Imam
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has urged the Organised Labour in Nigeria to reconsider their planned strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, June 3, 2024.
In a statement released by his media team on Sunday night, the Sultan appealed to the labour leaders to consider the potential hardships their action may cause Nigerians.
“The Labour leaders should consider the overbearing effects of the strike action they plan to embark upon on the wellbeing of the same Nigerians, whose interest they are fighting to protect, and therefore shelve the industrial action,” he said.
The Sultan emphasized the importance of negotiation, encouraging the labour leaders to continue engaging with the government.
“We appeal to Labour not to take the nation through another leg of hardship… They should try to listen to the government while the government should listen to them and both parties arrive at a conclusion that will be beneficial to all Nigerians, with the working class inclusive,” he said.
Drawing from his personal experience in past negotiations between labour and government, the Sultan acknowledged the labour leaders’ efforts to advocate for better welfare for their fellow workers.
However, he cautioned them to consider the potential consequences of their actions and to prioritize compassion.
“You are doing what is right for your class of fellow workers, but you should do it within the ambit of compassion and see strike always as the last option,” he said.