The National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria, Dr Kehinde Prince Taiga, has appealed to staff of the Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DESOPADEC) to remain calm and law-abiding pending the determination of an appeal over a 30 per cent salary reduction affecting workers for 17 years.
Taiga, in a statement, acknowledged the hardship and frustration experienced by affected workers and their families, describing the prolonged dispute over their remuneration as a serious concern requiring urgent attention and responsible engagement.
However, following reports that an appeal has been filed against a judgment of the National Industrial Court sitting in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, he urged the workers to allow the judicial process to run its course.
He noted that Sections 240 and 243 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, provide the framework for appeals from the National Industrial Court to the Court of Appeal.
The CDHR president, however, clarified that filing an appeal does not automatically suspend the execution of a judgment, stressing that such suspension depends on applicable legal provisions and the existence of a valid court order.
He advised both DESOPADEC management and workers to seek proper legal guidance on the status of the judgment, appeal and any application for a stay of execution.
Taiga also cautioned workers against protests, industrial shutdowns and confrontations capable of disrupting the Commission’s operations or threatening public peace.
He called on DESOPADEC management, staff unions and the Delta State Government to sustain dialogue and explore lawful avenues for resolving the dispute without escalating tensions.
The human rights activist maintained that workers’ grievances deserve serious consideration but must be pursued within the ambit of the law.
He stressed that patience should not be mistaken for surrender, urging all parties to protect workers’ dignity, uphold the rule of law and prevent the prolonged dispute from degenerating into an industrial crisis.
Taiga reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peaceful conflict resolution, human rights and industrial harmony in Delta State.
DR KEHINDE PRINCE TAIGA
National President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Nigeria.
