Nigerian aviation unions are now calling for a total strike of aviation workers from midnight on Sunday in protest at the government's failure to pay the pensions of former Nigerian Airways workers. It is being reported in 'This Day' newspaper:
National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), has concluded plans to paralyse the aviation industry in Nigeria by midnight on Sunday, if their entitlements are not paid.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos, National President of NUATE, Comrade Imonite Itua, said the retirees are tired of empty promises and now that they have decided to come out, they are not going to retreat or surrender until the Federal Government pays all their entitlements.
Itua said the ultimatum given to the Federal Government will expire on Sunday, and appealed that the government pays the former employees, as the union is determined to use all available means at its disposal to ensure the success of the strike.
Mind you, they're expecting something from a government where the members of the House of Representatives have been brawling in the chamber to such an extent that the Speaker was yesterday held hostage on the floor of the House for several hours and one of the members died of a heart attack in the midst of the melee
. I'm sure the visiting Prime Minister of India is most impressed.