The Federal Government has rescinded the decision of the management of Eagle Square to stop the organised labour from using the venue for its May Day activities. A statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Olajide Oshundun, said both the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige and his Federal Capital Territory (FCT) counterpart, Mohammed Bello, had stepped to restore the usage of the venue on Monday for the May Day activities.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) have threatened to mark this year’s May Day on the streets of Abuja. The immediate past General Secretary of the NLC, Dr Peter Ozo-Eson said labour activists would attend the May Day celebration even if it is held under mango trees. He also berated overzealous government officials that may be responsible for the cancellation.

“I woke up to hear this disturbing news. This is shocking because this is not the first time May Day will precede the inauguration of a new government. There was never a time in history that anything untoward happened. So, why is this happening now? One thing is certain though, even if the event takes place under a mango tree, I will be there to celebrate the day with the Nigerian workers,” he stated.

In a statement by Emmanuel Ugboaja, its general secretary, the NLC said the celebration would be held on the streets of Abuja to deepen its reconnection with the people.

“As you must have been aware of the last-minute questionable action of the government at the centre to deny us the use of the Eagle Square for this year’s May-Day celebrations three days to the event, despite having granted us the permit months ago,” the NLC said.

“Do remember that this is a venue we have been using in the past decades for our May Day celebrations.

“The sudden decision to withdraw the permit may be laden with mischief and actually a sign of what is to come in the near future. It is a call to all of us to be prepared.

“As a result of this unfortunate development, we want to inform you that we have decided to shift the venue for the celebration to the streets of Abuja. “This is so that we can deepen our reconnection with the people who are our true partners in the struggle for a free society,” the NLC Scribe stated.

The NLC said the take-off point would be its national headquarters by 8.00am. The FCT administration has promised to give all necessary material support to make the event hitch free and successful, while the Minister of Labour and Employment wishes all Nigerian Workers a blissful Workers day on May1.