NLC Faces Increasing Pressure Over Planned Protests

Political leaders, pan-ethnic organisations and civil society groups yesterday mounted pressure on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its proposed protest over the rising cost of living.

The Two-Day protest is billed for tomorrow and Wednesday.

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere; Lagos People’s Assembly (LPA) and Arewa Think-Tank cautioned against blackmailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with protests.

They stressed that the Federal Government deserves cooperation in its bid to tackle the economic challenges.

Last week, Ohanaeze Ndigbo President Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu urged the NLC to toe the line dialogue.

He urged the people to shun any form of protest.

The Directorate of State Service (DSS) warned that there is a possibility of the protest being hijacked, thereby turning an otherwise peaceful exercise into a violent one.

According to a statement by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunnaya, the protest may herald violence that may further impact negatively on the economy.

At the weekend, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice Lateef Fagbemi warned the NLC leaders not to risk contempt of court.

The Lagos Police Command also warned protesters against impeding the flow of traffic in Lagos during the protest.

The Police Commissioner, Fayoade Adegoke, said violation of human rights by protesters will not be permitted.

However, the NLC yesterday insisted that the protest would go on.

Its President, Joe Ajaero, said: “We remain resolute, determined and prepared to express our pain and grief peacefully as Nigerians come 27th and 28th of February 2024.”

No going back on protest, says Ajaero.

Trade Union Congress (TUC), the second labour centre, disowned the NLC’s plan, saying it was uncalled for and unilaterally decided.

Ajaero, who maintained that NLC would go ahead with its plan to protest the “mounting hunger and insecurity” in the country on Tuesday and Wednesday, accused the Federal Government of trying to use an amorphous group – Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) – to attack its members during the rallies.

He said there would be a total shutdown of the country through the withdrawal of services by workers if any of its members were attacked during the protest.

Ajaero alleged in a statement that the right to protest and freedom from slavery was being threatened in Nigeria.