The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu following the arrest of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, by security forces. The PDP claims that Tinubu’s “draconian policies” are pushing Nigerians into hardship and suffering.
Ajaero was arrested on Monday by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, after an invitation by the Nigerian police for alleged affiliations with terrorism and felony. The arrest also followed a raid on the NLC headquarters in Abuja, which came after a series of nationwide protests against economic difficulties.
The protests, held between August 1 and August 10, saw Nigerians in multiple cities expressing their frustration with the worsening economic situation.
PDP Urges Caution, Blames Hardship for Protests
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, condemned the arrests and called on President Tinubu to reconsider his approach.
“There is a need for caution. The government must address the real issue, which is hunger. Arresting individuals won’t solve the problem,” Ologunagba said, adding that the economic hardship caused by Tinubu’s policies is the driving force behind the protests.
He further stated, “The government should arrest hunger, not the people. The president’s policies are dragging Nigerians to their knees, especially now that schools are resuming, and families are struggling.”
Public Backlash and Rising Economic Tensions
The arrest of the NLC president has fueled further discontent among Nigerians, who are already burdened by economic challenges, including the rising cost of living and inflation. The PDP has positioned itself as the voice of opposition, holding the Tinubu administration accountable for its handling of the crisis.
