The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has clarified the presence of soldiers at the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), where a meeting between organized labour and the federal government is taking place.
SGF George Akume had urgently called for the meeting to address the ongoing nationwide strike, ahead of a scheduled session with the Federal Government’s National Salaries, Incomes, and Wages Commission.
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During the meeting, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) raised concerns about the presence of military personnel at the venue, suggesting a potential intimidation tactic.
In response, the Defence Headquarters issued a statement explaining that the soldiers were accompanying the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who was also in attendance.
The statement read: “The attention of Army Headquarters has been drawn to false news by the NLC alleging that soldiers currently surround the venue of the ongoing meeting between the NLC and the SGF.
“Kindly note that the NSA, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who is also attending the meeting, arrived at the venue with his statutorily approved military escorts. Once the meeting concludes, the escorts will lead the NSA from the premises.
“Please disregard the deliberate and misleading falsehood being circulated about the presence of the escorts at the meeting,” the Defence Headquarters clarified on their official Facebook page.
