DSS To NLC, TUC: Cancel Your Planned Nationwide Hunger Protest

The Department of State Services (DSS), has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to cancel their planned nationwide protests over hunger, excruciating hardship and astronomical rise in the cost of living in Nigeria scheduled schedule for February 27 and 28, 2024.

The Secret police specifically declared that it was opposed to violence as a means of settling the nation’s present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise.

The Service particularly said that those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink, stressing that resort to negativities would endanger peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.

It also called on all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non-governmental bodies to eschew violence; demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.

The Service therefore counselled the organisers of the protests to instead pursue dialogue and negotiation as against engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions.

The DSS which stated these in a statement on Wednesday by Dr Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations & Strategic Communications, said that while it recognised protest as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it however advised the organised labour to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.

It explained that its position was predicated on the fact it (DSS) was aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence.

The DSS further said that the development, without doubt, would worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.

According to the DSS; “It is common knowledge that all levels of government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given the 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. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.

“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peacetime, would not be attained in war-time.

“The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, ‘The Casualties’ is a resonating reminder to us of the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In times of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.

“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments, thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity.

“Similarly, parents and guardians are implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony.

“Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian.

“Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.

“Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country,” it said.