No Going Back On Nationwide Protest – NLC Insists

• Says action begins Wednesday, demands end to “anti-poor policies of government”
• IGP Egbetokun urges calm, orders watertight security countrywide

BY VICTOR BUORO – Despite the flurry of promises contained in the nationwide broadcast by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday night, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) says there is no backing down on the planned protest over the hike in the pump price of petrol and other issues scheduled to commence countrywide on Wednesday, August 2, 2023.

Describing reports to the contrary as the handiwork of “fifth columnists”, the Organised Labour said the mass action will hold as earlier planned because the meeting with the Federal Government on Tuesday to iron out issues in contention failed to come up with a common ground to warrant calling off the strike.,

A statement released by the Congress late Tuesday and signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero said; “We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the Federal Government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria,” NLC president Joe Ajaero said in the statement.

“The outcome of this meeting earlier today has however not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.

“Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve. ”

The body is demanding the removal of what it described as “anti-poor policies of government” including the hike in the pump price of petroleum, school fees, and VAT among others.

Consequently, the Congress leadership has directed its chapters across the country to commence the protests from tomorrow 2nd of August 2023.

Police Beef Up Security, Say No Room For Violent Protests In Nigeria

Ahead of the NLC’s nationwide protest on Wednesday, the Nigeria Police authorities said security has been beefed up security across the country to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order.

The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun while recognizing the constitutional right to peaceful protests, however urged parties involved to ensure the demonstrations are not hijacked by miscreants, adding that there is no room for violent protests in Nigeria.

The Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that; “In light of this, the IGP orders the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.

“A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.”