THE Special Task Force (STF), Operation Safe Haven, in Plateau State has warned the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to embark on its planned strike.
NLC's ultimatum expires Sunday.
The national leadership of the NLC had given the state government a 10-day ultimatum to resolve an impasse after which total shut down of services would be embarked upon by all service providers in the state.
The state government on Friday, however, obtained an interim injunction by the National Industrial Arbitration Court, restraining the NLC from carrying out the planned action.
Addressing a press conference, Saturday, STF spokesman, Captain Salisu Ibrahim Mustapha, said he finds it necessary to address reporters on an issue capable of jeopardising the relative peace currently being enjoyed on the Plateau.
He said: "It has come to the notice of the STF that the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has summoned all workers, local government primary school teachers, state government workers, private establishments, traders, and all service providers to remain resolute and withdraw their services by midnight of Monday December 10, 2012, regardless of the interim injunction by the National Industrial Court, restraining all workers or labour unions from declaring or embarking upon any strike."
But shortly after the STF briefing, the state NLC chairman, Comrade Jibrin Bancir, who was summoned by the STF Commander, Major-General Henry Ayoola, said he was not aware of any court order restraining NLC from carrying out the intended mass action, adding that he has not received any court order to that effect.
Bancir also said that he has been in touch with the national headquarters of the NLC where he was told that no court order has been served on them.
He explained that the Monday action is not organised by the state NLC. According to him, the state government should get in touch with NLC headquarters because the state branch has no say on the matter.
Mustapha said the STF is aware of the ill motives of some supporters and sympathisers who intend to come all the way from neighbouring states.
"Reliable intelligence indicates also that some miscreants plan to take advantage of a supposed peaceful action to cause chaos to the detriment of relative peace in the state."
He said the STF calls on the good people of the state to desist from any act that could set back the peace process, remain law-abiding, and go about their lawful businesses.
"Furthermore, we call on the leadership of the organised labour to abide by the court injunction in order to avoid any breach of security. All peace loving people of the state are, hereby, enjoined to cooperate with security agencies and jealously guard the current relative peace on the Plateau," he said.
