Despite last-minute push, FG fails to stop NLC nationwide protest

The federal government has been unable to convince the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to halt its planned nationwide protest.

A government delegation led by George Akume, secretary to the government of the federation, met with the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other labour leaders on Monday night.

After the sit-down, Ajaero said the union would embark on a peaceful rally to express their grievances over the deteriorating economic crisis and high cost of living in the country.

Speaking with journalists, Ajaero said it is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the protest is peaceful.

He asked the federal government to provide security to members of the union as part of the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the constitution.

He said members of the union will march to the national and state assemblies across the country to submit the demands to the lawmakers and government officials.

“The rally goes on but it’s part of their (government) constitutional responsibility to make sure that the rally is peaceful while we are going to try on our own side to make sure it is peaceful. That’s all,” Ajaero said.

“We have demands we must present, so maybe by tomorrow when we present those demands, a copy of it will get to the press.”

Before the NLC announced its nationwide protest, residents of Kano, Niger, Oyo, Edo, Lagos, Kano, Sokoto, Borno and Osun, among other states, had taken to the streets in recent weeks to protest economic hardship.

The leadership of the NLC said the union’s two-day nationwide protest will take place on February 27 and 28.