Governor bans protests by labour unions in Taraba

Labour unions in Taraba State and Governor Darius Ishaku appear set for a showdown over the ban on protests and demonstrations  announced  by the governor on Saturday.

The deputy chief press secretary, Mr Illiya Bekyu made the announcement in Jalingo, on behalf of Ishaku.

But Mr Peter Gambo, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour congress  (NLC), Taraba,  swiftly responded, describing  the governor’s directive as a mere threat.

He said the workers would not be intimidated by the governor’s statement, because workers had  the right to protest.

“To avert any form of protest in the state, the government must endeavour to settle all salary  arrears  meant for public servants. This is the only way the organised labour can desist from embarking on peaceful demonstrations,” he said.

Ishaku  said any group or individuals that wanted to protest must seek government approval before embarking on such exercise.

The ban came  four days after primary school teachers in the state  protested the non-payment of their salaries, now running into eight months.

The teachers  were joined in the protest by their pupils.

“I want to state here that individuals or groups wanting to embark on any form of demonstration in the state without government approval are warned to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law,” he said.

He warned  parents and guardians against allowing their children to take to the streets for protest on behalf of their teachers.

“The state government is particularly warning parents and some individuals who want to use little children as shield during demonstrations in pressing for whatever demands to refrain from such act or be prosecuted,” he noted.

He warned that any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine the credibility of the government would not be tolerated and that anyone caught in such act would be treated as a saboteur.