NLC Clears Position on Proposed National Conference •Advocates regular dialogue among Nigerians The Nigeria Labour Congress Sunday said it was not opposed to any form of national conference or dialogue as proposed by President Goodluck Jonathan, adding that the timing was essential and that the motive must be significant. It, however, noted that such dialogue must be aimed at improving the lives of Nigerians, strengthen the bonds of unity, advance the cause of democracy, develop the economy and create an environment for the expression of shared values and common heritage and defend Nigeria’s sovereignty. The congress expressed belief that meaningful results can be achieved from a national dialogue by men and women of character, wisdom, integrity, patriotism as well as courage, and “not charlatans or hirelings.” The congress declared its stance in a statement issued by the NLC National headquarters yesterday. “The congress believes Nigerians should regularly talk to themselves as well as talk to one another. The constituent parts should as often as practicable sit down to talk, to address the ills that plague our politico-socio-economic well-being, not only at the federal level but right to the village square,” it read. The statement signed by the acting General Secretary of the NLC, Mr. Chris Uyot, said the movement had been involved in national dialogues from colonial to post colonial Nigeria and was part of the dialogue that led to the nation’s independence and acquisition of the status of a republic. “The labour movement played a leading role in the process and subsequent protests that culminated in the repudiation of the Anglo-Nigeria military pact that sought to make Nigeria an out-post of the British shortly after independence by way of establishing military bases in the country,” it read. The statement read further “the congress was not only part of the national conferences or dialogue contrived by the military and even the civilian government of President Olusegun Obasanjo, but played a significant role, offering in the process alternative views or development agenda.”
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 03:27:54 +0000
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