Labour unions in Taraba State and Governor Darius Ishaku are talking tough over the ban on protests and demonstrations as announced on Saturday.
Peter Gambo, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Taraba Chapter, described the governor’s directive as a mere threat, instsisting that the protests will continue until Ishaku paid workers.
He said because workers had the right to protest, the governor’s directive would not be obeyed by the union.
“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.
Recall that students and teachers protested over non-payment of over seven months salaries.
Responding, Governor Ishaku said any group or individuals that wanted to protest must seek government approval before embarking on such exercise.
Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Illiya Bekyu, in a statement quoted the governor as saying “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 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 said.
Ishaku warned that any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine the credibility of the government would not be tolerated and anyone caught in such act would be treated as a saboteur.
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