Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has accused the Federal Government of plot to frame up innocent citizens on trumped up charges over the just concluded nationwide #EndBad Governance Protest, saying “this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last.”
NLC in a communiqué at the end of its Emergency National Executive Council, NEC, meeting on Saturday night, called on the government to jettison the plot and convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss the pressing issues confronting Nigeria.
According to Congress, the conference should chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
The Communique signed by the President of NLC, Joe Ajaero, reads in part “The NEC once again condemns the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government.
“We demand an immediate cessation of these attacks and call on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests. Additionally, all security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths must be held accountable especially the Police.
“NEC calls for immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested either in their homes or relaxation joints. This is the only way Government can show good faith and begin the healing of the nation. NEC condemns plans to frame up innocent citizens on trumped up charges. We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last. NEC wonders why this administration is criminalizing protest and have renewed clamp down on Marxists, Socialists and those who hold different shades of Leftist Ideologies as if courting a neoliberal dictatorship.”
On national dialogue, “The NEC calls on the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss the pressing issues confronting Nigeria and chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest—hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.
“The NEC calls on the government to stop the blame game and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges. This invasion is another attempt at intimidation thus may be a clear indication of the desperation within the government to silence dissent through force. The NEC warns that peace without justice is transient and unsustainable.
“The NEC urges the President to take decisive action by addressing the systemic issues of profligacy, waste, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of the Nigerian people. The government must listen to the voices of reason, embrace truth, and pursue a holistic overhaul of its policies. This includes distancing itself from divisive rhetoric and instead promotes national unity and the restructuring.”
On police invasion of its secretariat, NEC among others, “The NEC consequently demands apology from the Police and the federal Government on this once again unwarranted invasion and desecration of the headquarters of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“To this end, NEC-in-session sets up necessary machinery to conduct a forensic audit of the national Headquarters to ascertain its safety and continued suitability for the use of workers. Until this is done, NEC directs temporary cessation of use of the headquarters to mitigate every unforeseen disaster that may have been intended.
“However, NEC believes that the invasion by the Police is a deliberate provocation by the Government and as such would not allow itself to act out of anger but to exercise caution for the greater sake of our nation. It insists that in the midst of recklessness, insanity and irresponsibility, patriots would always take the high road of restraint. This is what is required now and the response of the government to our queries will determine what our next line of action will be in the coming days.”
