The protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress on Tuesday turned violent as armed thugs attacked the workers, throwing stones at them.
The workers had converged at the popular NEPA roundabout in the Kaduna capital city to continue the day two of their protest when the thugs invaded the area and started throwing stones and other dangerous weapons at them.
The attack forced many of the protesters to scamper for safety.
Earlier, The Kaduna State government declared Wabba and other members of the union wanted.
State Governor, Nasir el Rufai, in a tweet accused Wabba and his union executive members of economic sabotage and attacks on public infrastructure under the Miscellaneous Offences Act of the state.
In his tweet, the Governor said, “Ayuba Wabba & others of NLC Headquarters declared wanted for economic sabotage & attacks on public infrastructure under Miscellaneous Offences Act. Anyone that knows where he is hiding should send a message to the Ministry of Justice, Kaduna State Government. There will be a handsome reward!”
Wabba, had vowed on Monday to bring the Kaduna administration to its knees until the sacked workers are recalled.
It is not known who actually sent the thugs, but the NLC President, Ayuba Wabba has pointed accusing fingers at the state governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
Speaking with Channels Television amid the protest, Wabba said he informed the DSS after he received earlier information of the plan to disrupt the protest.
“Today is a very sad moment in the history of democracy in Nigeria. Early in the morning today, we got credible information that El-Rufai has hired one Alhaji Hassan and some thugs to come and attack us.
“While we are here, they came but thank God we have chased them away because we have the number. We are not thugs And We Are Not Using Thugs we are Nigerian workers,” Wabba told Channels Television.
The armed thugs were dispersed by security operatives with teargas.
Wabba is leading Day Two of the NLC protest despite being declared wanted by the Kaduna State government.
KDSG condemns unlawful actions by unionists, urges residents to stay calm
On Monday, the Kaduna State Government said that the conditions that compelled its decision to rightsize have not been altered by the NLC’s campaign of economic and social sabotage.
In a statement from the Government House, the government said it remains firmly committed to using all the resources it can generate to serve the interests of the majority of its citizens, putting the many ahead of the few.
It adds, “The unlawful actions and reckless statements that define the NLC’s assault on the rights of the people of Kaduna State, are a needless exercise in futility.
“Desperate actions undertaken by the NLC today include unlawful trespass on government facilities, and attempts to prevent officers from signing attendance registers.
“Despite these actions, the state government has guaranteed access to the State Secretariat and other government offices. KDSG intends to continue running its operations in the service to the people, despite the futile efforts of the NLC to impede it. The State Executive Council also held its regular weekly meeting to discuss policy matters germane to the progress of the state and the welfare of its people.
“In addition to shutting down electricity, the NLC has also shut healthcare access for several of our citizens. They have closed several hospitals and chased away the patients. General hospitals in Kawo, Tudun-Wada, Kafanchan, Giwa, Rigasa, Kakuri and Sabon Tasha were illegally locked. They also shut rural hospitals and primary health centres in Kwoi, Turunku and other locations across the state. Preventing patients from receiving treatment in public health facilities certainly does not qualify as a pro-people action.
“The State Government is documenting all these violations of the Miscellaneous Offences Act and the Trade Union Act. The government shares the pain of the people of Kaduna State amidst the avalanche of unlawful conduct by the NLC and appeals to all residents to remain calm and vigilant. The resort to coercion and the imposition of restraints on the personal freedom and comfort of citizens confirm that this is a campaign of sabotage, not an industrial action.
“KDSG welcomes the visit by the leaders of the Trade Union Congress who met with our Head of Service, Bariatu Y. Mohammed, this morning.
“Hajiya Bariatu commended the constructive attitude of the TUC delegation led by Barrister Musa Lawal, its Secretary-General. The Head of Service also disclosed that all officers from GL 14 upwards are expected at their duty posts as usual.”
