Govt says dialogue is still an option

[TGD]

 THERE is still a chance for dialogue over the crisis currently attending the removal of fuel subsidy.

Briefing state House correspondents on the crisis yesterday evening, Labour minister Emeka Worgu said the option of dialogue is still open.

"I think each side is exploring the need to talk . When I said that the option of dialogue is still open, it implied that we are exploring that option and Labour is equally weighing that option. I don't believe in putting one as a senior partner and the other as a junior partner. In this issue, there are three senior partners within the doctrine and principle of tripartism; the NLC/TUC on one side representing the trade union, government on one side because it could be government at the federal level or state. Then the employers consultative association ( NECA)"

Speaking further on the issue, he said: "As at today, government has done a policy on subsidy which is a partner in that tripartite arrangement. Then NECA which is the employers consultative assembly has equally supported that removal and the deregulation of policy of government on the downstream sector"

"So, in three out of three, it is a question of number and question of democracy and fine aspect of democracy. You know out of three, two agreeing on one issue and one is saying no. So, it means that two is majority and one must have it's say" he added.

According to the minister,"still, not minding the fact that two out of the three partners have agreed, there is still a room for dialogue, saying, "how can government get persuaded? It is not from the streets. It is not from violent protests. It is from persuasion, it is from talking and that is what our laws clearly indicate"

On the contentious court ruling, he said "Despite the fact that there is a court ruling, we are still amenable to dialogue without going into the merit of the case"



The Guardian