The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a stern warning on Monday against any attempts to suppress Nigerians’ right to protest, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement by the government in response to planned nationwide demonstrations.
In light of the scheduled protests set for August 1, under the hashtags #TinubuMustGo and #Revolution2024, the NLC urged President Bola Tinubu to address the grievances expressed by Nigerians concerning pervasive hunger and widespread hardship across the country.
The statement from NLC President Joe Ajaero highlighted the dire economic conditions faced by millions of Nigerians, citing statistics revealing significant poverty levels and rising unemployment. Ajaero stressed the urgent need for governmental intervention to alleviate these hardships, emphasizing that labeling legitimate dissent as politically sponsored undermines the severity of citizens’ suffering.
Meanwhile, amidst concerns over security, the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Bennett Igweh, discouraged FCT residents from participating in the protests, citing potential risks to public safety. He appealed to residents to prioritize maintaining peace and stability in the region, pointing out recent police sacrifices in securing the area.
In a separate development, Ibrahim Yusuf of the Gombe Network of Civil Society Organisations clarified that his group was not involved in the planned protests, despite acknowledging widespread frustration over unmet promises of relief from the government.
As tensions mount ahead of the anticipated demonstrations, stakeholders continue to debate the balance between citizens’ rights to express dissent and the government’s responsibility to ensure public order and safety in Nigeria.
