Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai said the economic and social sabotage by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), would not alter his decision to rightsize the public service.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications strategy, Muyiwa Adekeye, the Governor said the State Government remained firmly committed to using all the resources it could generate to serve the interests of the majority of its citizens, putting the many ahead of the few.
He said the unlawful actions and reckless statements that defined the NLC’s assault on the rights of the people of Kaduna State, were a needless exercise in futility.
He said desperate actions undertaken by the NLC included unlawful trespass on government facilities, and attempts to prevent officers from signing attendance registers.
He said the state government had guaranteed access to the State Secretariat and other government offices.
The Governor said the State Government intended to continue running its operations in the service to the people, despite the futile efforts of the NLC to impede it.
He added that the State Executive Council also held its regular weekly meeting to discuss policy matters germane to the progress of the state and the welfare of its people.
“In addition to shutting down electricity, the NLC has also shut healthcare access for several of our citizens. They have closed several hospitals and chased away the patients. General hospitals in Kawo, Tudun-Wada, Kafanchan, Giwa, Rigasa, Kakuri and Sabon Tasha were illegally locked. They also shut rural hospitals and primary health centres in Kwoi, Turunku and other locations across the state. Preventing patients from receiving treatment in public health facilities certainly does not qualify as a pro-people action.
“The State Government is documenting all these violations of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and the Trade Union Act.
“The government shares the pain of the people of Kaduna State amidst the avalanche of unlawful conduct by the NLC and appeals to all residents to remain calm and vigilant.
“The resort to coercion and the imposition of restraints on the personal freedom and comfort of citizens confirm that this is a campaign of sabotage, not an industrial action,” the Governor said.
The State Government said “it welcomes the visit by the leaders of the Trade Union Congress who met with the Head of Service, Bariatu Y. Mohammed.”
It said Hajiya Bariatu commended the constructive attitude of the TUC delegation led by Barrister Musa Lawal, its Secretary-General.
The Head of Service also disclosed that all officers from GL 14 upwards were expected at their duty posts as usual.
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