May 08, 2003
Redressing Grievances: What Option?
OurRights appears every Tuesday or Thursday in ThisDay newspaper.
A few days ago, on May 1st, 2003 precisely, Nigerian workers once again celebrated Workers Day. Amidst the pomp and pageantry of the celebrations, the issue of the strike action embarked upon by some oil workers in the employ of Transocean Incorporated under the auspices of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) who took hostage some expatriates and senior Nigerian oil workers on drilling rigs in Rivers State was brought into focus. The hostages were taken captive by the workers to protest the sacking of five of their colleagues.
It is indeed sad that oftentimes Nigerians still do not have recourse to peaceable means of settling disputes. Such flagrant disregard for the rule of law is not in any way doing good to the image of the country in the comity of nations.
One begins to wonder whether it is the many years of military ‘mis’rule that has made Nigerians so hard set in their approach to resolving disputes. No doubt prolonged military rule in Nigeria has taken its toll on the citizens, making them to be more prone to violent confrontation rather than roundtable dialogue.
It is good to note that the Federal Government, Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG have intervened in the matter and secured the release of the hostages.
It is time however that we begin to move forward. Just as the years of military rule have been put behind us, so also should the days of violent dispute resolution be a thing of the past. There is a need to begin to follow constructive, peaceful and due process of law in settling our disputes or disagreements. From our newly elected leaders to the common man on the street, we must as a matter of urgency begin to constructively build a peaceful and progressive Nigeria. Peaceful dispute resolution is one of such ways.
The Nigerian government has expended huge resources in its bid to attract foreign investment into the country. The state of insecurity in the country, as evident by the protracted violence in the Niger Delta region, is no doubt hampering the much-needed foreign investment to boost economic growth.
CRP urgently calls on the Nigerian government to ensure that effective measures are put in place to stop this trend in the country. A peaceful and conducive atmosphere is needed for business to flourish in Nigeria.
CRP also calls on Nigerians and at this time Nigerian workers to embrace peaceful and non confrontational approach to resolving disputes.
It is high time in our democratic dispensation that Nigerian government and citizens rise up to the responsibility of ensuring good governance, peace and stability for the country. This on the long run will determine whether our democracy will succeed or not.
Copyright© 2005 Constitutional Rights Project (CRP). All rights reserved.
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