On Wednesday, the leadership of the organized labour criticized the Department of State Services (DSS) for its warning against the proposed protest scheduled for February 27 and 28.
The DSS had advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their decision, citing concerns for national peace.
In response, the president of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, denounced the DSS’s warning, stating that Organized Labour should not be subjected to blackmail. He emphasized that the DSS should not arrest individuals who seek to peacefully protest. He also dismissed claims that the protest could incite widespread violence.
Ajaero highlighted the urgency of addressing the current hardship faced by Nigerians, attributing it to the indifferent stance of the Nigerian government and its officials.
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He asserted that history would not forgive the labour movement if it remained passive in the face of escalating challenges.
The labour leader, who described the forthcoming action as “peaceful protest against unpardonable cost of living,” added that the Congress would not fold its arm while Nigerians continue to live in penury.
“We are concerned by the unsolicited advice of the Department of State Security to shelve our planned protest against unprecedented high cost of living despite the indescribable suffering in the land, spiralling inflation, deepening poverty, and the Naira at an exchange rate of N1,900 to the US Dollar.
“According to the Service, the planned protest should be shelved “in the interest of peace and public order,” pre-supposing that the action is intended to be violent and disruptive even when we have a history of peaceful protests.
“More worrying is the new role the Service has assigned to itself as the chief spokesperson of the government.
“According to the service, it is common knowledge that all levels of government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and, as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt. So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties.
“We are equally worried that although the “Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence, it has not executed the arrest of these elements.
“We are equally intrigued by the innuendos of the Service, their philosophy of “peace” and wild allegations, and we want to reassure them that no one loves this country more than us, and on our honour, we would never do anything that would compromise its sovereignty or security.
“Having said this, we would not have ourselves blackmailed or lied against by the Service. Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living, of which the unserviced personnel of the Service are also victims. We cannot fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive.”
