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  • Two year tenure debate: NLC warns Fed Govt not to interfere in unions’ activities

    Two year tenure debate: NLC warns Fed Govt not to interfere in unions’ activities

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned the federal government not to interfere in the activities of unions by proposing a two-year maximum tenure for union leaders.

    The NLC noted that the move violated labour laws and international conventions.

    The Head of Information and Public Affairs of NLC, Benson Upah, said this during a press conference in Abuja on Thursday. 

    According to Upah, the government is frantically working to reduce to two the number of years trade unionists could hold office.

    “What concerns the government with the tenure of trade union leaders?.

    “We demand that the government put an end to this hybrid war against Congress. However, if the government feels two years is the best tenure to go, it should be two years for everyone including the President of the country.

    “We advise the government to stop meddling in the affairs of the Labour Party even as its destabilization campaign against opposition parties has reached a crescendo. Our actions are guided by the decision of a competent court of jurisdiction.”

    Upah said besides the government’s silence “on our patriotic and well-thought-out demands, the police have since come out to make further comments on the raid instead of an apology.”

    He said: “A statement signed by ACP Olumumuyiwa Adejobi claims that the raid had “no connection with the NLC secretariat, staff, or leadership….but a prime criminal suspect in an ongoing investigation ….traced to a shop within the building” which they claimed was on the 2nd floor.

    “The police in subsequent media interviews said the suspect is ‘an international terrorist’ with a long history of destabilisation of nations including Sudan. The police made other wild and unsubstantiated claims.

    “We find the claims contradictory, self-serving and face-saving and intended to cover up their blunders.

    “What were the security personnel doing on the 10th floor when the shop they were after was on the 2nd floor?

    “They said they were after this ‘international crook of foreign descent’ and yet came hours after offices had closed.

    “Between the materials they took away and the terrorist, which had more value?

    “If the police truly had credible intelligence and if Congress was not their target, what was wrong in taking the leadership of Congress into confidence? And if they felt that would jeopardise the operation, couldn’t they have confided in the leadership at H-hour?

    “The police now claim they had necessary legal documents for the raid. We challenge the police to tender those court documents. We pray they are not contrived or procured documents after the act of invasion.

    “On the so-called ‘international terrorist’for how long did they know of his or her existence? Shouldn’t we Nigerians hold the security personnel accountable for letting the suspect operate with carefree abandon?

    “And if they just knew about this ‘dangerous terrorist’ wouldn’t this constitute a major intelligence failure on the part of the police?

    “The police and government should stop playing on our intellect. They should also stop diverting attention from the real issues that still stare us in the face economic policies that continue to unleash hardship on the people.

    “Given these realities, we still advise the government to dialogue not only with leaders of the protest but honest Nigerians on the way forward instead of extorting endorsements or votes of confidence from people who are insulated from these hardships.

    “The insincerity of the government is so manifest. They claimed they were selling bags of rice at 40k and had to stop when the rice was being resold at 80k. Up till this moment, no one has been able to tell us where rice was sold at 40k.

    “We continue to demand an apology from the police and federal government for the unlawful raid of our headquarters.

    “We are not aware of any terrorist in our midst. However, if the government knows of one it should come out with facts and proof it is sure of instead of making the country the butt of jokes in the international circuit.

    “We challenge the police to show proof of our relationship (landlord-tenant or otherwise) with this alleged terrorist.

    “The police claimed our security staff made statements to them. This is another falsehood. On the contrary, it was the police that signed a document at the main gate before they were allowed in.”

    Upah reiterated that even though we are the owners of barricades, we did not participate in the End-Hunger protest.

    He advised the government to desist from roping Labour into something they knew nothing about.

    “Accordingly we ask the government to release those in its custody including a NUEE executive (Comrade Opalua Eleojo) who was arrested at a social spot in Abuja.

    “We advise the government to stop further acts of intimidation against the Nigeria Labour Congress and indeed against the generality of Nigerians.

    “Although we have to the best of our ability done a forensic audit of our premises, we will hold the Nigeria Police Force responsible for any incident at our headquarters or to any of leaders or members anywhere any time,” the NLC Spokesman noted.

  • NLC rejects police explanation on action at its headquarters

    NLC rejects police explanation on action at its headquarters

    Labour yesterday rejected the reasons given by the police for its action at the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which the union described as an invasion.

    On Friday, the Police said its men raided an office within the NLC headquarters building but not the NLC offices.

    “Detectives, armed with the appropriate legal authority, conducted an operation at the location, which turned out to be the NLC building. This well-coordinated, lawful operation was solely aimed at apprehending the prime suspect—a foreign national – implicated in numerous criminal activities across Nigeria and other African countries,” the police statement read.

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    It added that the operation had no connection with the NLC, its secretariat, staff, or leadership “and was strictly focused on a rented shop within the building used by the suspect as a front for his criminal activities in Nigeria.”

    The Labour centre in communique after it National Executive Council (NEC) meeting partly reads: “NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands a clear explanation from the government as quickly as possible. 

    “NEC believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by the Government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation. It insists that in the midst of recklessness, insanity and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint. This is what is required now and the response of the government to our queries will determine what our next line of action will be in the coming days.”

  • Labour House invasion: NLC demands apology from FG, rejects police explanation 

    Labour House invasion: NLC demands apology from FG, rejects police explanation 

    ….tells FG to stop harassment of those with opposing views

    The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has asked the federal government to apologise for the invasion of its national headquarters in Abuja by security operatives on Saturday, August 10.

    In a communique issued after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting over the weekend, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, rejected the police’s explanation for the invasion.

    The congress criticised the Police’s rationale as an afterthought and an attempt to obscure the true motives behind the action, suggesting it raised more questions than it answered. 

    The statement said: “NEC-in-session rejects outrightly the explanation offered by the Police as the reason for the invasion. It described it as rather an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action as it raises more questions than answers. It therefore demands a clear explanation from the government as quickly as possible. 

    “NEC believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by the Government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation. It insists that in the midst of recklessness, insanity and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint. This is what is required now and the response of the government to our queries will determine what our next line of action will be in the coming days.” 

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    The NLC also urged the government to cease the harassment of those with opposing views and ideologies.

    It called on the government to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), enabling them to operate freely within the country without fear of harm or violence.

    It said: “We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last. NEC wonders why this administration is criminalizing protest and has renewed clamp down on Marxists, Socialists, and those with different Leftist Ideologies as if courting a neoliberal dictatorship. Stop harassment of those holding opposing views.

    “The NLC was not part of the recent democratic protests, which were a response to the widespread hardship in the country. We demand that the government withdraw its agents from all premises they have illegally occupied, particularly the headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Abuja and the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Lagos.”

    The NLC urged the President to take decisive action by addressing the systemic issues of profligacy, waste, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of the Nigerian people.

    “The government must listen to the voices of reason, embrace truth, and pursue a holistic overhaul of its policies. This includes distancing itself from divisive rhetoric and instead promoting national unity and restructuring,” the statement added.

    It called for an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to address pressing issues in Nigeria and to find solutions to the root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.

    They also urged the government to stop the blame game and engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to resolve the nation’s challenges.

  • NLC cautions police against starting undemocratic agenda over siege on CDHR office

    NLC cautions police against starting undemocratic agenda over siege on CDHR office

    Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned the Police against starting an “undemocratic agenda” following the siege at the office of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) at Ikeja, Lagos.

    President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement issued yesterday  in Abuja, expressed concerns over recent behaviour of the Police against the fundamental rights of citizens and organisations.

    While condemning the siege on the headquarters of CDHR) at Ikeja, Lagos by the Nigeria Police, the NLC wondered what the “Police was up to after they had invaded and carted away books and materials from headquarters of the NLC in Abuja three nights ago.”

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports available to us indicating that truckloads of police personnel have cordoned off the place (where a symposium on education was scheduled to hold) since the early hours of this morning.

    “Given the fact that the CDHR neither invited the police nor lodged a report of a threat, we considered the police deployment an unwarranted intrusion and an attack on the right of CDHR to conduct its lawful businesses peacefully.

    “Accordingly, we urged the police to pull out of the precincts of CDHR immediately and unconditionally.

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    “We are alarmed by a growing trend by the police to abridge the fundamental rights of citizens and organisations.

    “From alleged senseless killing of protesting citizens during the protests against hunger and bad governance, the police raided and carted away valuables from the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday night.

    “That three days later they are at the premises of another civil society organisation is suggestive of a calculated dark agenda.

    “We would want to remind the police and those on whose orders they are acting that they cannot cow Nigerians into submission. Their powers do not extend to abridging the rights of the citizenry.

    “We would also want to remind them that we are in a democracy and not a police state.

    We would similarly want to caution against starting an agenda that will be undemocratic. Let them pull out now.”

  • NLC cautions Police over siege on CDHR office

    NLC cautions Police over siege on CDHR office

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned the Police against starting an “undemocratic agenda” following the siege at the office of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) at Ikeja, Lagos.

    President of NLC, Comrade Joe Ajaero in a statement on Friday in Abuja, expressed concerns over recent behaviour of the Police against the fundamental rights of citizens and organisations.

    While condemning the siege on the headquarters of CDHR) at Ikeja, Lagos by the Nigeria Police, the NLC wondered what the “Police was upto, after they had invaded and carted away books and materials from headquarters of the NLC in Abuja three nights ago.”

    The statement said: “Our attention has been drawn to the reports available to us indicating that truckloads of police personnel have cordoned off the place (where a symposium on education was scheduled to hold) since the early hours of this morning.

    Read Also: NLC alleges office invasion by security men

    “Given the fact that the CDHR neither invited the police nor lodged a report of a threat, we considered the police deployment an unwarranted intrusion and an attack on the right of CDHR to conduct its lawful businesses peacefully.

    “Accordingly, we urged the police to pull out of the precincts of CDHR immediately and unconditionally.

    “We are alarmed by a growing trend by the police to abridge the fundamental rights of citizens and organisations.

    “From alleged senseless killing of protesting citizens during the protests against hunger and bad governance, the police raided and carted away valuables from the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Wednesday night.

    “That three days later they are at the premises of another civil society organisation is suggestive of a calculated dark agenda.

    “We would want to remind the police and those on whose orders they are acting that they cannot cow Nigerians into submission their powers do not extend to abridging the rights of the citizenry.

    “We would also want to remind them that we are in a democracy and not a police state.

    We would similarly want to caution against starting an agenda that will be undemocratic.

    Let them pull out now.”

  • DSS denies raiding NLC’s headquarters

    DSS denies raiding NLC’s headquarters

    The Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday, August 8, denied that it raided the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja.

    Spokesman of the Service, Dr Peter Afunanya, made this known through a WhatsApp message.

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    The message reads: “Pls kindly note that the Service (DSS) did not carry out any operation at the NLC office in Abuja.”

    The message was in response to inquiries following the alarm raised by the NLC that its office was raided by security operatives on Wednesday night.

  • NLC raises the alarm over alleged raid

    NLC raises the alarm over alleged raid

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the alleged raid of its headquarters in Abuja by security operatives.

    A statement by NLC’s Head of Media and Public Relations, Comrade Benson Upah, on Thursday morning alleged that the security operatives visited its office on Wednesday after workers had left the building. 

    The NLC alleged that the invasion was carried out by a mixed personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and unidentified operatives dressed in plain clothes and carted away books the security operatives claimed were used to promote the #EndBadGovernance protests. 

    The statement reads: “The security team, without presenting any legal documents, apprehended the security operative on duty and forced him to the building’s second floor. Despite our security men’s responses to their questions about not having access to the office keys, the operatives proceeded to break into the premises and ransack the NLC’s bookshop. 

    “They seized hundreds of books and other publications, alleging that they were searching for seditious materials related to the #EndBadGovernance protests.”

    The NLC condemned the raid, calling it a severe infringement on democratic rights and freedoms. 

    The Congress emphasised that even during the military regime, such invasions of their headquarters were unheard of. 

    This action, the NLC argued, marked a new low in security operations in Nigeria and a dangerous precedent for the nation’s democracy.

    Earlier that day, the NLC’s National Executive Council meeting had denounced the heavy-handed tactics used by security forces against protesters and the use of “treason” to describe peaceful demonstrations. 

    “The timing of the raid, just hours after this condemnation, has further fuelled fears of state-sponsored repression,” the Congress said.

    The NLC therefore called for an international investigation into the invasion, citing concerns over the safety of their staff and the potential tampering with evidence. 

    The congress instructed their employees to stay away from the Labour House until a thorough inspection confirms that no incriminating materials or harmful substances have been planted by the intruding forces.

    It also demanded the immediate withdrawal of the security forces from their premises and the return of all seized materials by the end of the workday on August 8, 2024. 

    It warned that continued harassment will lead it to consider a full strike, stressing that suppressing public discourse and engagement only exacerbates the country’s difficulties.

    The statement reads: “This evening, at about 8.30 p.m., long after the close of work, a troop of heavily armed security operatives invaded the Labour House, Central Business District, Abuja, which serves as the National Headquarters and Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

    “The security operatives, some from the Nigeria Police Force, some wearing black tee-shirts, presumably from the Department of State Services (DSS), and others on outright mufti, swooped on the 10th floor of the NLC, arrested the security operative on duty, and then commandeered him to the second floor, where he was asked to produce the keys to the offices.

    “When he told them that he had no such keys on him, they broke into the floor and ransacked the bookshop on the 2nd floor, carting away hundreds of books and other publications. The invading troops claimed that they were looking for seditious materials used for the #EndBadGovernanceProtests.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress condemns in its entirety this new low in security operations in Nigeria. The armed security operatives showed no legal document permitting them to invade the premises of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the ungodly hours of the night. Even in the dark days of military rule, NLC secretariats were never invaded and ransacked by security agents. Today is indeed a very sad day for our democracy.

    “The National Executive Council of the NLC took note and vehemently condemned the high-handed manner in which security agents manhandled protesters in many parts of the country and the needless bloodshed that ensued. We also condemned the sweeping mass arrests of those perceived to have led the protest. The NEC also frowned at the reckless use of ‘treason’ to describe the protest and demanded moderation. What we did not see coming was the invasion of the Labour House by masked and heavily armed security operatives hours later.

    “In the light of the foregoing and the ominous sign it portends for democratic rights, freedom of speech and association, and the unimpeachable right of citizens to protest peacefully on any issue they feel strongly about, we call on the international community to take note of the deterioration of democratic principles in the bid to turn Nigeria into a police state.

    “Given the experience of the leadership of the NLC in recent times at the receiving end of the naked brute force of the state, especially the near daylight assassination of the NLC President by security operatives and thugs, our fears of a Nigerian state that is descending into enforced brutality are well founded. We fear that the situation might deteriorate.

    “Given the state of things, the Nigeria Labour Congress has directed all its staff to stay away from the Labour House for now until we are certain that there are no incriminating materials or harmful substances dropped in our offices by the invading operatives. In order to allay our fears, we demand an international inquiry into this very traumatic invasion.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Security operatives reportedly raid NLC office

    “We demand the immediate withdrawal of the troop of invading security agents from the premises of the Labour House, Abuja. We also demand that all the books and materials carted away by the invading security operatives be returned unfailingly to where they were taken from before the end of work tomorrow, August 8, 2024. We make this demand given the illegality of the operation, as there was no court order for the invasion, ransacking, and looting of the publications.

    “If this harassment continues, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to call on its members to stay home until their safety and security are assured. We warn that the asphyxiation of the public space and channels for constructive engagement, dialogue, and negotiations in light of the excruciating difficulties that Nigerians are going through right now would only make matters worse. A stitch in time might still save nine!”

  • Leave Lagos out of it, NLC tells protest promoters

    Leave Lagos out of it, NLC tells protest promoters

    • Hayab, Tilde, others: shun protest

    Lagos State council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on its members not to stay away from their offices during the period marked for protest.

    Its chairperson Mrs. Funmi Sessi  said the organisers should stay away from Lagos and go to their respective states to stage their protests.

    Sessi  added that  decision of the congress was informed by intelligence report that some miscreants were planning to disturb the movements of innocent citizens in the state. 

    She said: “The organisers should go to their own states to start this protest. They should not do that here in Lagos. These people are faceless. Why should they come to Lagos and cause havoc. They should go to their own and start it.  

    “Peaceful protest is part of the rights of all citizens, but protest characterized by threats, bloodshed and destructions of properties and lives of innocent citizens is unacceptable.” 

    She however  called on governments  to   address the agitations of Nigerians.

    Sessi   called on the Lagos State government to allocate some   farmlands to people and workers interested in farming.

    Calls on the organisers of the protest to have a rethink and engage the Federal Government in dialogue gained more voices yesterday.

    Top on the list of those that made the appeal  were six governors,  National Assembly leaders,   ministers, and prominent Nigerians, including former Amabra State Governor  Peter Obi.

     While House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abass said he would hold a town hall meeting with youths on Wednesday, one of the governors.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and Deputy House of Representatives  Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, reeled out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s actions and plans that would not make people, especially in the Northwest and Southeast to join the protest tagged #EndBadGovernace.

    Obi and Abia State Governor Alex Otti warned against breach of the law by the would- be protesters.

    Obi, who  said anyone who desires to protest must do so “within the law and in civil manner,”  added that the hardship in the country did not start today.

    Speaker Abbas 

    Speaker   Abbas  said his town hall meeting with  youths at the National Assembly on Wednesday was in line  with the Legislative Agenda of the 10th House  which prioritises sustained youth engagement.

    He explained in a statement by his media adviser, Musa  Krishi  that the talks was in conjunction with the YIAGA Africa and the Konrad Adenuer Stiftung (KAS).

    The meeting will be attended by   youth leaders and representatives of  student unions, young professionals and entrepreneurs  CSOs   focused on youth development as well as members of the House Committees on Youth Affairs; and Youths in Parliament.

      Krishi said the meeting would enable  young Nigerians to voice their concerns, share their ideas, and engage with legislative leaders on matters affecting them.

     Deputy Senate President Jibrin  warned  that the  demonstration could destabilise Nigeria’s  peace.

    He argued that there was no need for the protest since President   Tinubu was working to address the nation’s challenges. 

    Barau noted that significant measures such as the Northwest and Southeast Development Commissions Bills have already been introduced to tackle regional issues.

    He  pointed out  that progress required patience and urged the public to support  government’s efforts rather than resorting to protests.

    Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Deputy speaker Benjamin Kalu said the Southeast has every reason to be grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for listening to their 54- year- old cry and giving them the South East Development Commission by signing the establishment bill into law.

    Kalu, in a statement by his media aide, Levinus Nwabughiogu,  said President Tinubu was already addressing the challenges of the Southeast, especially with his assent to South East Development Commission (SEDC) Bill.

    He said: “There is hunger in the land and people are agitating but my brothers, I want you(youths) to be the advocates that will go to the villages and tell people to calm down, a solution is coming.

     Kalu also said that   efforts were on  for  the release of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    He argued that  the only way to reciprocate Tinubu’s kind gestures to Ndi Igbo was to sustain the peace and reject to call to join the looming protest.

    “There is a saying that when you appreciate your benefactor, he does more for you. Our next plea is that the President will release our brother, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

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      “Those who are organising the protest don’t know the extent it will get to. They only know how to commence it. Don’t start what you cannot control. It’s your right, yes, but what about the right of the other person? It’s your constitutional right but make sure you don’t breach the right of the other.’’

    More governors urge dialogue

    Governors Ademola Adeleke(Osun), Dapo Abiodun(Ogun), Alex Otti(Abia), Umo Eno(Akwa Ibom), Hyacinth Alia(Benue), Abdullahi Sule(Nasarawa) and Acting Governor of Katsina State  Farouk Jobe warned that the demonstration was unnecessary given efforts by the President and their administrations to ameliorate the economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

    Adeleke meets students, CSOs, security agents

       Governor  Adeleke will today meet with student union leaders   security chiefs, and heads  of CSOs in the state

      Spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    The statement quoted the governor as saying:  “I have instructed my team to organise a dialogue session on Monday (today) where stakeholders can jaw-jaw as part of peace-making in the exercise of constitutional rights. The session will allow parties to list grievances and what they expect the government at all levels to do.

    “We will convey the outcomes of the session to government leaders from myself to Mr President in Abuja. It will also be an opportunity to tell stakeholders what we are doing as a government to resolve the economic hardship facing our people.”

    Adeleke reaffirmed his support for the rights and liberties of persons as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution to be obeyed.  

    “There is a need for peace and non-violent actions which are key to the dialogue sessions slated for Monday(today).

    “We will listen and we will act in the best interest of the citizenry.”

    Abiodun to youths: don’t be used by frustrated politicians

    Governor  Abiodun repeated his advice to youths against being used by frustrated politicians.

    Abiodun said there was no need for the protest as there was room for youths to dialogue with the government constructively.

    He spoke at the 22nd undergraduate and 13th postgraduate convocation of Babcock University, Ilishan, Ikenne Local Government Area.

    The governor said: “Which investor will be attracted to a nation that is under siege by protesters? Please, do not allow yourselves to be used by a so-called leaderless movement, sponsored by frustrated politicians who tried in the past and lost. We do not need protests. We must not gamble with our democracy. 

     “I seize this opportunity to appeal to our youths to constructively engage with government in finding lasting solutions to Nigeria’s problems, rather than engaging in protest that may start peacefully but usually get hijacked and may lead to anarchy.’’

    Otti expresses concern   

    Governor  Otti expressed worry that the protest might be taken over by unpatriotic elements to create more problems for the people.

    He spoke with reporters in his country home at  Umuehim Nvosi in Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area after a private meeting with Obi.

    Otti said: “Protests are allowed once they are done within the ambits of the law.

    “But the real challenge is who can ensure or assure us that it will be done within the ambits of the law. We have seen protests hijacked. My fears are that this one will also be hijacked.

    “Even when you write a letter, it is a protest. You can sit down and write a letter of protest, you can call somebody and register your displeasure about what he is doing or how he is running government.

    “They are all protesting and they are allowed. But when you now go outside the law and begin to unleash mayhem and violence that is where it is not acceptable.”

    Sule: No need for demonstration in Nasarawa

    Governor   Sule said there was no need for the protest in Nasarawa State because of his efforts and Tinubu’s various interventions to minimise the economic challenges facing the residents.

    Sule said: “In reality, every time we have the opportunity, we give to the people, we share palliatives to the people. We are sharing Kudin A.A Sule every month. We have been promoting agriculture.

     “We are promoting employment, we are doing everything that a serious administration could do to reduce the hardship on the people.” 

    Eno says protest not in nation’s interest

    Also, Governor  Eno said the protest planners should seek peaceful options to present their grievances rather than engage in acts that could lead to a breach of the peace in the country.

    He said: “It is true that protest is the right of the people, but we appeal to our people to give peace a chance.

    “We should all work together to promote national peace, unity, sustainable development, and stability. We have no other country.

    “We must be united in tackling the prevailing economic hardship in the country, we shouldn’t indulge in any act that will worsen the situation.

    “Any protest can be hijacked by hoodlums, and there are usually negative consequences because those who see nothing good about government will use it to destroy public assets,” 

    Cancel strike, says Alia

    Benue State Governor Alia called on unions, groups, and individuals intending to join the protest to shelve the idea and bring their demands to him.

    Alia, in his brief remarks after a service at the Chapel of Grace, Government House Makurdi, said the demonstration should be canceled because the state and federal governments are doing their best to put smiles on the faces of the people.

    The governor revealed that his government uncovered plots by some individuals to infiltrate the protest and cause destruction.

    Regime change plot treasonable, says Olawepo-Hashim

     Former presidential candidate and a chieftain of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC),  Mr. Gbenga Hashim has warned those calling for regime change under the guise of protests, to be wary of being charged for treason.

    He argued that the right to protest by any group of Nigerians or individuals concerning any situation is an essential part of citizens freedom of expression provided for in  the  Constitution in so far as such rights are expressed peacefully without infringing on the rights of others.

    In a statement by his media department, Hashim maintained that there “are legitimate grounds for Nigeria people to protest the prevailing economic situation and myriad of challenges not currently satisfactorily addressed, Nigerians did protest in  robust manners even under military rule.”

    He said that “what government needs to do is to address the issues with utmost sincerity it is time for an honest introspection.”

    Ministers urge support for Tinubu’s policies

    Some ministers urged Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed  Tinubu’s agenda and shun the nationwide protest.

    Minister of Education, Prof  Mamman Tahir, spoke on the achievements of President Tinubu’s administration at a town hall meeting in Yola yesterday.

    Tahir emphasised the critical advancements Tinubu has brought to the country, underscoring that the president deserves appreciation and support rather than opposition.

    “The government has within this short period done so much,” Tahir stated, enumerating the introduction of a student loan scheme, an increase in the minimum wage, and the creation of a consumer credit scheme as pivotal milestones.

    Minister of Interior  Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to back Tinubu’s efforts to resolve the nation’s issues, praising the President’s boldness and dedication.

    “President Tinubu is quite aware of the current plights of Nigerians and he is working tirelessly and meticulously to resolve them,” Tunji-Ojo said in a statement from Abuja.

    He called for collective resilience and patriotism, highlighting that national strength lies in unity.

    Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo appealed to displeased Nigerians to give  the President   more time to address the country’s economic woes.

    The minister, who was a guest on  a national television programme   , appealed to intending participants of the August protest to be patriotic.

    He said Tinubu should not be judged with the expectation to solve a 100-year-old problem in one year.

    He said an economy is not built overnight. “What you see today is an accumulated mismanagement over the last 100, 60, 30 years” .

    Tunji-Ojo said:  “Mr President, to the best of my knowledge, never campaigned to be a magician; he campaigned as a statesman, he campaigned on the basis of ‘Renewed Hope’. Before hope could be renewed, it had dwindled.’’

    In Kaduna, Minister of State for Water Resources and Sanitation, Bello Goronyo, appealed specifically to Northern youths to abandon plans for protest, emphasizing their crucial role in national development.

    He outlined Tinubu’s achievements, including the approval of an increased minimum wage and the signing of the North West Development Commission Bill, which he described as pivotal for regional growth.

    “The proposed strike, while a reflection of genuine grievances, could hinder the progress and stability we are collectively striving for,” Goronyo cautioned.

    Dr Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare,  said that the   Tinubu  administration deserves more support than recrimination from Nigerians.

    This is contained in a statement by  Dapo Okubanjo,   head of Media, All Progressives Congress (APC) Professionals Forum, yesterday in Abuja.

    Pate spoke when he received a delegation of the forum led by the Chairman of its Board of Trustees (BOT), Dr Isa Yuguda.

    The statement quoted Pate as describing a protest against the Tinubu-led administration as “a protest against Nigeria’s health sector”.

    This, he said, was because the Tinubu administration was systematically cleaning up decades of rot in the sector.

    Obi to protesters: it’s illegal to prevent others’ movements

    Obi warned the organisers of the demonstration to understand that blocking movements during protests constitutes a breach of the law.

    He said: I plead to those who want to protest to do so within the law and in civil manner that allows us as a nation to show that we live within the law.

    “Everybody knows that things are difficult and I always say that when they talk about the sponsors of protest, the sponsors are very simple, it is hunger, it is hopelessness among the youth .’’

  • Why govt should discuss with leaders of planned protest, by NLC

    Why govt should discuss with leaders of planned protest, by NLC

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to invite the leaders of the planned protest scheduled for August 1, 2024 to a dialogue.

    NLC said this was necessary to ensure peace.

    In a statement, the NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, said: “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President BolaTinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

    “We have advised that it would be counter-productive for the government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

    “Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of Nigerians and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”

    The congress debunks the reports that it had withdrawn from the protest, saying that NLC could not have withdrawn from a protest it did not organise in the first place.

    “A news report of the withdrawal of the NLC from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such a story as patently false.

    Read Also: NLC urges dialogue with organisers

    “The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest,“ Ajaero said.

    He  said the NLC has internal mechanisms, especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions, such as protests pass through, before such activities are undertaken.

    “Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious of the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of the government.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in these very trying and excruciating times,” he added.

  • We are not organisers of proposed protest, NLC clarifies

    We are not organisers of proposed protest, NLC clarifies

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that it is not organising the nationwide protest scheduled for August 1.

    The union addressed rumours suggesting its withdrawal from the protest organised by youths.

    NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, stated this on Wednesday, July 24, advising the federal and subnational governments to address the economic situation and attend to the needs of the Nigerian populace who are facing hardship.

    The statement titled: “The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise,” partly read: “A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such a story as patently false.

    “The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise. It is only the organisers of the speculated national protest can decide to pull out or continue with the protest.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress has internal trade union mechanisms, especially leadership decision-making processes that its industrial actions such as protests pass through before such activities are undertaken.

    “Yet, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the body organising the protest does not mean that Organised Labour is oblivious to the dire living conditions Nigerians have been subjected to by the harsh economic policies of the government.

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in these very trying and excruciating times.

    Read Also: NLC urges dialogue with organisers

    “Pursuant to proactive engagement with the issues canvassed by the protest organisers, we have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leaders of the protest movement to dialogue on their demands.

    “We have advised that it would be counter-productive for the government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force.

    “Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”