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Protest Turns Violent As Kwara NLC, TUC Shut Down Lower Niger River Basin Over Alleged Mismanagement, Threats To Workers
The protesters accused the Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Olumoroti, of allegedly victimising workers, disregarding labour laws and creating an atmosphere of fear within the establishment.
Ilorin, Kwara State– Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress on Monday shut down the premises of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority in Ilorin, Kwara State, over alleged mismanagement, intimidation and threats against workers by the management of the agency.
The protest, which crippled activities at the complex for several hours, saw aggrieved workers and labour leaders barricading entrances to the authority’s premises while chanting solidarity songs and demanding immediate intervention from the Federal Government.
The protesters accused the Managing Director of the agency, Engr. Olumoroti, of allegedly victimising workers, disregarding labour laws and creating an atmosphere of fear within the establishment.
Placards displayed by the protesters carried inscriptions such as: “Olumoroti Is Working Against The Renewed Hope Agenda!”, “Mr President’s Efforts To Fix Nigeria Must Not Be Weakened By Bad Management In Our Organization!.”
“Respect Due Process, Respect Labour Act,” and “Stop Victimization Of Labour Leaders In Your Establishment.”
Others read: “NLC Says No To Victimization Of Workers In The Lower Niger River Basin Authority.”
Eyewitnesses said tension heightened during the protest after some unidentified individuals allegedly attempted to disrupt the demonstration and stop the protesters from accessing parts of the complex.
A mild drama later turned violent as one of the individuals was reportedly dragged during the confrontation, while sticks were seen being wielded amid the chaos.
Despite the tension, labour leaders insisted the protest would continue until their grievances were addressed by the appropriate authorities.
The workers alleged that several complaints raised internally had been ignored, forcing the unions to embark on the industrial action.
As of the time of filing this report, management of the authority had yet to officially respond to the allegations raised by the protesters.
