The Nigeria Labour Congress said it remained firm on its decision to proceed with scheduled protests for Tuesday and Wednesday, citing “mounting hunger and insecurity” in Nigeria.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.
Ajaero alleged that the Federal Government is attempting to use a group, the Nigeria Civil Society Forum, to target its members during the rallies.
He vowed to ensure a total shutdown of Nigeria through the withdrawal of services by workers if any of its members were attacked during the protest.
The Department of State Services has warned that the planned protest may be hijacked by “some elements.”
This was as the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, warned that embarking on the rallies would be contempt of court.
However, the NLC statement read, “We would want to inform Nigerians that the state has perfected plans to attack our peaceful rallies across the country.
“One of the groups being primed to attack our peaceful rallies goes by a nebulous name, Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF).
“NCSF is one of the emergency groups put together, funded, promoted and remote-controlled by the government to cause violence against our members for electing to peacefully protest against hunger in the land.
“We, however, remain resolute, determined and prepared to express our pain and grief in a peaceful manner as Nigerians come 27th and 28th of February 2024.”
Speaking on the planned protests, the DSS spokesman, Peter Afunanya, had in a statement called on the NLC to shelve the plan.
He urged the NLC not to embark on the protests in the interest of peace and public order, stating that going ahead with the protests could increase tension across the country.
The statement read, “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues.
“While the service recognises such an action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.
The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions.
“This is more so that the service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.”
