The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has sounded the alarm, accusing the Federal Government of orchestrating plans to disrupt the upcoming hunger protest scheduled for February 27 and 28. This protest, aimed at highlighting the dire economic hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies, faces opposition from the Department of State Services (DSS), which warned against its staging, citing potential public peace disruption.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, voiced concerns over government interference, alleging plans to attack peaceful rallies across the nation. Ajaero pointed fingers at groups like the Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF), labeling them as government-backed entities poised to incite violence during the protests.
The NLC vehemently opposes the use of force to suppress peaceful dissent, emphasizing that the solution to economic distress does not lie in violence but in addressing the root causes. Ajaero condemned recent instances of government-led violence against peaceful protesters, stressing that hunger cannot be silenced with bullets or tear gas.
Undeterred by warnings and alleged government interference, the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful protest, asserting citizens’ fundamental rights to express grievances. Ajaero warned of potential nationwide strikes if the government persists in disrupting peaceful demonstrations, urging authorities to seek solutions rather than exacerbate the people’s suffering.
In a bold statement, the NLC called upon international human rights bodies and global governments to monitor the situation, highlighting threats to peaceful assembly and demands for economic justice. Despite challenges, the NLC remains resolute and prepared to peacefully express the grievances of Nigerians come February 27 and 28, 2024.
