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NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN TOGO FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF PRESIDENT GNASSINGBE EYADEMA
The seizure of power in Togo on Saturday by Faure Gnasingbe Eyadema following the death of his father, President Eyadema is unacceptable.
President Eyadema had died in yet unclear circumstances and his death had conveniently coincided with the trip outside the country of the Speaker, Fanbara Quattara Natchaba, who constitutionally should have acted as President.
Rather than allow the constitutional provision, which empowers the Speaker of the Parliament to act for 60 days within which fresh elections will be, held, Faure and the country’s Defence Chief, General Zakari Nandja seized power. The Speaker was refused entry into the country and is now stranded in Benin Republic while Faure and the army have forced the Parliament to convene and temper with the constitution to legitimize the coup.
Nigeria Labour Congress condemns the coup which is a desperate attempt by the minority army in Togo to continue its political rule which started in 1963 with the overthrow and murder of President Sylvanus Olympio. This attempt to create a tyrannical dynasty must not be allowed to stand.
We endorse the statement by President Olusegun Obasanjo, Chair of the African Union, to the effect that the coup would not be tolerated. It is significant that Africa’s leaders appreciate that the coup is a retrogressive step that endangers the continent’s steady march towards democratic rule.
Therefore, beyond the initial statement and assurances that the ensuing process would not be recognised, the African Union must take firm steps to restore constitutional rule in Togo.
Everything must be done to back up the people of Togo to restore the Speaker to office, as required by the Constitution and ensure that free and fair elections are conducted within two months in accordance with the constitution.
NLC will liaise with the leadership of the trade union movement in Africa, especially on the West African sub-region, to firm up an appropriate and effective response towards the restoration of constitutionalism.
FOR AND ON BEHALF OF THE NIGERIA LABOUR CONGRESS:
Owei Lakemfa
Head of Information
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