NLC Protest: Presidency and Police Issue Fresh Warnings as 65 Groups Withdraw Participation

In the wake of the Nigeria Labour Congress’s (NLC) planned two-day nationwide protest against the escalating cost of living, the Presidency reiterated its warning against the demonstration on Sunday. The police also cautioned against disrupting commercial activities during the protest.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, labeled the protest as “illegal” and a “breach of the law”, emphasizing that the Attorney General had communicated the illegality to the NLC.

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, warned against any form of violence during the protest, emphasizing the importance of maintaining public order. Similar warnings were echoed by police authorities in Ekiti, Delta, and Kaduna states.

Despite the warnings, NLC President Joe Ajaero insisted that the protest would proceed as planned on Tuesday and Wednesday, citing the government’s alleged failure to implement agreements reached in October 2023 after the fuel subsidy removal.

Expressing concern over the potential hijacking of the protest, 65 civil society groups withdrew their participation, citing fears of escalating violence. The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations Forum stated it was making efforts to engage with the government for a peaceful resolution.

Responding to the withdrawal, Ajaero accused the groups of being “emergency groups” orchestrated by the government to incite violence against protesters.

In a bid to ease tensions, the Federal Government assured it had no intention to disrupt the protest. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, urged the NLC to consider dialogue and described the planned rally as unpatriotic.

The NLC remained resolute, asserting its members’ right to a peaceful protest, while the Attorney General reminded them of an existing court injunction restraining such actions.