News

NLC Clarifies Position on National Protest, Urges Government to Address Public Grievances

Written by Jerry Alomatu on July 24, 2024

News Views: 36

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has clarified that it has not withdrawn from the planned national protest against rising hunger and living costs, stating that it cannot pull out from a protest it did not organize.

In a statement on Wednesday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero refuted reports of the union’s withdrawal, calling them “patently false.” He urged the federal and state governments to listen to the concerns of the Nigerian people and take appropriate action. Ajaero also warned against the use of force on protesters, suggesting it would be counterproductive.

“A news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention. The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such story as patently false,” Ajaero said. “The truth is that the Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organize. It is only the organizers of the speculated national protest that can decide to pull out or continue with the protest.”

Ajaero emphasized that the NLC has its own internal processes for deciding on industrial actions such as protests. He also reiterated the union’s support for the Nigerian people, who are suffering from harsh economic conditions.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress stands in solidarity with the Nigerian people in this very trying and excruciating times,” he noted.

He called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the protest leaders for dialogue and warned that responding to public anger with force would be detrimental. “We have advised that it would be counter-productive for government to meet the widespread anger in the land with brute force,” Ajaero stated.

Concluding the statement, Ajaero appealed to the government to heed the people’s demands. “Once again, we implore the Federal Government and the sub-national governments to listen to the cries of the Nigerian people and do the needful. After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God.”