No Going Back With Wednesday Protest - NLC Alerts Nigerians

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has commended Nigerians for supporting them and they also urge everyone to shun any rumoured reports about the union suspending the nationwide protest which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday asserting that the strike action will still hold.

The labour union proposed this strike action nationwide due to the hike in the price of petrol as well as the currency rate unification amongst other issues that the union is holding the government accountable for—they have said that the strike action will hold, unlike other proposed protests that never saw the light of the day.

This was made clear in a statement issued by the National President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, on Tuesday evening, in which he stated that, despite the union meeting with the Federal Government, the demonstration will continue as planned throughout key cities across the nation.

The rumour and controversy surrounding a possible suspension of the nationwide protest may be linked to a report claiming that the NLC Secretary-General, Emmanuel Ugboaja, suggested in an earlier briefing with journalists that the Congress might reconsider its stance on the proposed strike action.

This strike action must hold!

“We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the Federal Government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria.

 “The outcome of this meeting earlier today has however not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.

 “Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve.”

On the union's Official Twitter handle, it reads,

“Ignore fake rumours, NLC is never divided. We are one united and strong labour centre. The protest rally will be held Tomorrow (Wednesday) nationwide.”

What is the police saying about this?

Also speaking about the strike action, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun has expressed relief over the NLC and TUC nationwide protest which is scheduled to begin today.

Egbetokun however recognized the fact that protesters have the right to rally as it’s part of their constitutional rights. He however urged protesters to demonstrate peacefully to avoid miscreants hijacking it for negative use.

The acting IGP instructed Commissioners of Police from various commands and supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to meet with the leadership of the NLC and TUC to establish common ground on the demonstrations.

He reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force's commitment to guaranteeing people's safety and security throughout the protests.

Muyiwa Adejobi, the Police Force's spokesman, stated in a statement,

“In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

“A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.’’

The acting IGP further stated that the Police Department will not accept any act of destruction, gang activity, or intimidation that jeopardizes public peace and order.