…as protesters converge in Lagos
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force has sealed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) office in Lagos State to prevent the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
The protest, scheduled by the NLC for February 27 and 28, aimed to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
Activist and national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Taiwo, shared an image on Monday morning showing armed police personnel stationed in front of the NLC headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State.
According to Taiwo, a few comrades were sealed off in the building, uncertain about the developments awaiting them.
The NLC issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government regarding widespread hardship, leading to organising the protest.
However, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the NLC to cancel the protest.
Despite warnings from the government and concerns from other quarters, the NLC insisted that the protest would proceed as planned.
It accused the government of preparing to attack peaceful rallies and alleged the involvement of certain groups in causing violence against protestors.
The NLC President, in a statement, emphasised the right to peaceful protest and warned against suppressing dissent or inflicting violence on peaceful protestors.
The statement also mentioned the potential deployment of state-sponsored terror and expressed the NLC’s determination to proceed with the protest.
In anticipation of the upcoming organized labor protest set to commence on Tuesday, the ‘Take It Back Movement’, a human rights group, has initiated a nationwide demonstration in Lagos State to address the prevailing economic hardships in the country.
This action occurs despite the caution issued by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, against violent behavior or activities that could disrupt public order, such as obstructing traffic and impeding commercial operations within the state.
Fayoade reassured residents of Lagos that appropriate security measures had been enacted to safeguard lives and property, regardless of any protest activity.
However, disregarding the police warning, the ‘Take It Back Movement’ proceeded with their demonstration on Monday, brandishing placards as they marched through the streets.
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned that protesters nationwide must not face harm or harassment during the planned protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its national president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed concerns over potential state-sponsored tactics aimed at thwarting the protests.
The NLC warned that any aggression against protesters would be met with severe consequences, including a complete shutdown and withdrawal of services.
Despite government attempts to intimidate them, the NLC reiterated its commitment to the planned protest, citing the urgent need to address escalating economic challenges, including rising inflation, food prices, forex shortages, and the removal of petrol subsidies.