Tension is high at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority following a protest and picketing by labour union members which later turned violent, leaving three persons injured during a confrontation between workers and the management of the federal agency.
The crisis was allegedly triggered by claims of victimisation of union leader, Mudi Olayinka Raji, by the Managing Director of the Authority, George Olumoroti Olusola. The lingering dispute between the labour unions and management has continued to raise concerns, with calls on the Federal Government to urgently intervene before the situation worsens.
There was violent atmosphere at the premises of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority earlier in the week as aggrieved workers staged a protest over alleged unfair treatment of union leaders.
Managing Director of the agency, George Olumoroti, who was appointed last year, had earlier accused some union leaders of resisting ongoing reforms within the agency.
During a media briefing, the MD alleged that corruption was fighting back, accusing union leader Mudi Olayinka Raji of financial misconduct. However, the accused union leader denied the allegations off camera.
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Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Muritala Olayinka, alongside the State Secretary of Nigerian Union of Agriculture and Allied Employees, NUAAE, Sharon Richard, who also joined the protest, described the allegations as an attempt to victimise and frustrate union leaders. They further condemned what they termed unnecessary staff postings without financial support, allegedly aimed at weakening the unions.
The labour leaders have appealed to the Federal Government to urgently intervene in the crisis to prevent further breakdown of industrial harmony within the agency.
For now, tension continues to linger at the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority as both parties await possible federal intervention for a lasting resolution.
(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
