NLC Leaders Risks Six Months Jail Over Strike - FG

The Federal Government, on Wednesday, emphasised its readiness to continue negotiations with organised Labour over opposition to the increase in petroleum pump price, but has warned the unions not to violate laws which specify six months jail term or a fine of N100,000 for offenders.
It was, however, keen to stress that it had no intention of pressing for such punishment during the ongoing dispute with the workers.

Addressing State House corespondents after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, who reminded of the provision of the law, also said that government would not encourage breaking into factions of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

He said government would rather work for the reunification of the factions, hence it decided to meet with all shades of opinions in the organised Labour.

The minister advised them to be conscious of the existing laws, in order not to run foul of them.
The Federal Government is presently locked in negotiations with the two factions of the NLC, led by Ayuba Wabba and Joe Ajaero, respectively.

With Ngige at the briefing were the Ministers of Information and Culture, and Power, Works and Housing, Lai Mohammed and Babatunde Fashola, respectively.