TheCable

Opeyemi Bamidele, majority leader of the senate, has asked organised labour not to embark on its planned indefinite strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have directed their members to commence an indefinite strike from October 3.

Labour is protesting the current economic situation in the country occasioned by the removal of the petrol subsidy by the federal government.

In a statement on Saturday, Bamidele said the strike would inflict more pain on the citizens.

The lawmaker asked the labour bodies to embrace dialogue with the federal government as a means to resolve the issues.

“[It] will further inflict more pains on Nigerians at the time the new government is working hard to address their concerns and grievances,” he said.

“At a time like this, labour unions are advised to embrace dialogue rather than consider options that will compound the sufferings of the people.

“At a time like this, all parties are supposed to go into negotiation with absolute trust in the new government.”

The senate leader congratulated Nigerians on the 63rd independence anniversary of the country.

“As Nigerians, we are under obligation to ensure that the labour of our heroes will never be in vain,” Bamidele said

“I congratulate Nigerians as our nation turns 63 as a strong, united and indivisible nation that the world over is now waiting to occupy her rightful place among nations.”

He added that the upper legislative chamber under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio would make laws for the development of the country.