In a widespread impact on various sectors, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) strike, which began at midnight on November 13, has led to the shutdown of schools, banks, and courts in Edo and Ebonyi states.
Academic activities at Ambrose Alli University (AAU) in Ekpoma, Edo State, were halted as members of the local branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) joined the nationwide strike. Dr. Cyril Oziegbe Onogbosele, the chairperson of ASUU AAU, announced the decision in compliance with the directive from the national ASUU body.
The strike, initiated by labour unions to protest the assault on NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri, Imo State, on November 1, has garnered widespread support. Onogbosele emphasized that all members of ASUU, AAU, Ekpoma chapter, should fully participate in the strike, withdrawing their services and staying away from the university campus.
The impact of the strike extended to the judiciary, with the Edo State judiciary complex shut down. Afolabi Olayiwola, a legal expert, expressed concern over the situation, citing a subsisting court order. He deemed the strike as indicative of a failed system and stressed that the judiciary should adhere to court orders despite other sectors engaging in industrial action.
Addressing the attack on the NLC President, Olayiwola stated, “To me, an injury to one is an injury to all.” In support of the nationwide strike, Morrison Eghobamien, a Labour Party governorship aspirant in Edo State, emphasized the need for dialogue among all parties involved.
Meanwhile, in Ebonyi State, the strike paralyzed activities in the state high court, banks, and other offices. The state High Court remained closed, with judiciary workers stranded outside the premises, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). The impact of the strike is reverberating across various sectors, emphasizing the urgency for dialogue and a peaceful resolution for the benefit of all Nigerians.
