The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has raised concerns about the ongoing strike by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and its impact on Nigerian pilgrims and the airlifting operations of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
On Monday, MURIC Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, reported that a plane sent to transport pilgrims from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia was forced to return empty due to the strike by aviation workers.
He expressed worry that the disruption has stranded thousands of Nigerian pilgrims who are now stuck at airports. “Nigerian Muslims are questioning why the NLC chose this time to start a nationwide strike when over 60,000 people are being airlifted. Their families are extremely anxious and scared,” Akintola said.
He further stated that the strike has not only caused confusion and hardship for those preparing for the Id al-Kabiir festival but also poses a serious threat to the lives of Muslim pilgrims. He questioned whether the strike was a deliberate act of sabotage.
Akintola urged the NLC to end the strike immediately to prevent risking the lives of thousands of Muslims in camps. He warned that if the NLC does not comply by 8 am on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should declare a state of emergency.
He criticized the NLC leadership as out of touch with the public, stating that their demands are unreasonable and that a state of emergency is necessary to protect the country from the NLC’s actions.
Victoria Ibiama
