THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Socialist Labour (SL) have, in separate statements, condemned the killing of Comrades Musa-Lawal Ozigi and Akin Akinsola, the Secretary General and Chairperson of the Kwara State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) respectively, on Monday night’s terrorist attack on an Abuja-Kaduna bound train.
The NLC said it received with utmost shock the news of the killing Comrade Ozigi Comrade Akinsola and other Nigerians who were “murdered, maimed, or kidnapped” during the attack by the terrorists.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress mourns and commiserates with our sister national labour centre, the Trade Union Congress, over this tragic incidence and irreparable loss of its top officials who were traveling to Kaduna State for a trade union related engagement. The NLC also mourns and commiserates with scores of our fellow compatriots who lost their lives, were injured or kidnapped in the dastardly attack. Unfortunately, till now, it is difficult to establish the actual number of casualties and travellers caught up in this tragedy.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in the strongest words possible this national calamity. The tragedy of 28th March 2022 and the brazen assault on the Kaduna Airport a few days ago reveal once again that our country is terribly trapped in the throes of terrifying terrorists and banditry attacks. The message by the terrorists and bandits is crystal clear – no one is safe anymore anywhere in Nigeria – whether by air, road or on the train. This must be the ultimate wake up call for government. It is either the government and security agencies rise to the occasion once and for all or we would be singing the Nunc Dimittis to a civilized, sane and secured homeland.
“Just like previous terrorists and bandits’ attacks, government and security officials are wont to visit the sites of such carnage and issue routine “condemn and condole” statements and thereafter nothing proactive would be done. This kind of attitude tend [sic] to belittle the value placed on the life of the ordinary Nigerian. This is most tragic. This is also most unacceptable not only to Nigerian workers but the rest of the citizenry who are beginning to question the role of the state if the safety of lives and property can no longer be guaranteed.
“It is disheartening to note that our security intelligence appears to invest more resources into blackmailing individuals and groups perceived to be uncomfortable with government policies and actions rather than channelling tax payers’ money into confronting the dire security situations facing our country. We expect credible security intelligence that will help nip potential terrorist attacks in the bud.
“While we demand a swift and pungent response to last Monday’s bandits’ attack on the Abuja–Kaduna train and the recent terrorists’ attack on the Kaduna Airport, we call on the Federal Government of Nigeria and security agencies to take the crises of insecurity in our country as a prime test of the will of the state, a frontal challenge on resolve of the institutions of our civility and a daring assault on our sovereignty as a nation. The battle line has again been clearly drawn,” NLC’s statement, signed by its president, Ayuba Wabba, reads.
It’s Shocking and Sad – Socialist Labour
In a statement signed by its National Secretary, Biodun Olamosu, Socialist Labour said it “is shocking and sad to learn that the Ozigi and Akinsola lost their lives during the attack in which many other Nigerians also lost their lives.
The statement also reads: “This is a clear indication of the climax in the insecurity situation in the country arising from the growing poverty, inequality and corruption.
“This is a typical indictment of the Buhari-led Government that is unable to address the state of insecurity that has enveloped the country for some years now.
“This is a contradiction to the promises made by Muhammadu Buhari in 2015 while campaigning to be president, upon which he won the election.
“We will like to express our profound condolences to all member of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for this grievous loss.
“It is also our wish to comfort the families and friends of all other affected Nigerians while praying for quick recovery of Mrs Lawal (traveling with his husband) and others undergoing treatment over wounds sustained and psychological imbalance in the course of this attack.
“We are not unaware of the role of Comrade Musa Lawal in the ongoing process of labour politics. He provided a political voice that could provide an alternative to the ruinous capitalist ruling class that is taking the working people for granted.
“The best way to mourn him and his other colleague will be how we are able to translate his dream in this regard to political reality come the general elections 2023.”
