…As union opts to celebrate on Abuja streets

 

By Bimbola Oyesola

The Federal Government yesterday changed its mind to revalidate the use of the Eagle Square Abuja by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for its annual May Day parade in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday, May 1.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige announced the revalidation of the venue in a statement issued yesterday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun.

Ngige urged all guests, including the President, Vice President, Ministers, diplomatic missions and international partners, to endeavour to be at the Eagle Square, which remains sacrosanct.

The Federal Government had earlier denied the Organised Labour use of the Eagle Square for its May Day celebration three days to the event, making the NLC to announce to the workers that the celebration would hold on the streets of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The NLC General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, who disclosed this yesterday said that it was unfortunate the government denied them access to the Eagle Square three days to May 1, after granting them access earlier.

“As a result of this unfortunate development, we want to inform you that we have decided to shift the venue for the celebration to the streets of Abuja so that we can deepen our reconnection with the people who are our true partners in the struggle for a free society,” he said.

Labour has been using the Eagle Square for its May Day celebration for years.

Thus, the NLC leadership considered the government withdrawal of access three days to the May 1 event after initial consent as mischievous.

The NLC in a letter signed by its General Secretary, Ugboaja, to the Congress affiliates described the situation as unfortunate.

“As you must have been aware of the last minute questionable action of the government at the centre to deny us the use of the Eagle Square for this year’s May Day celebration three days to the event despite having granted us the permit months ago.

“Do remember that this is a venue we have been using in the past decades for our May Day celebrations,” the letter read.

Ugboaja noted that the sudden decision to withdraw the permit may be laden with mischief and actually a sign of what is to come in the near future.

“It is a call to all of us to be prepared,” he said in the letter.

But Ngige in his assurance for the availability of the Eagle Square for use by labour said his action followed media reports that the Federal Government, acting through the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has withdrawn the permit granted to the NLC to use the Eagle Square for this year’s May Day celebration, for reasons bordering on the preparation of the venue for the May 29 inauguration of President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The minister said on getting the information, he contacted his colleague, the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Bello, who attributed the development to some overzealous officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), acting without his authority.

Ngige said sequel to his consultation with the FCT Minister, the NLC has been asked to go ahead with its preparation for the May Day celebration at Eagle Square, which the President, Ministers, other top government officials and the diplomatic missions are expected to attend.

The statement added that the FCT administration has promised to give all necessary material support to make the event hitch-free and successful.