Concerned NLC Criticises DSS For Asking It To Shelve Planned Protest

The Nigeria Labour Congress has taken issue with the Department of State Services' request to postpone a scheduled protest over the current state of the economy and rising living expenses.

Following a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to execute the Agreement and address the growing survival crisis in Nigeria, the NLC last week called on its members to get ready for a two-day nationwide industrial action.

February 27 and 28 are the scheduled protest days.

The DSS spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, advised all sides to avoid taking any steps that would lead to a heightened level of tension by pursuing communication and discussion.

He said that since all branches of government are trying to make things better economically, people should give them the benefit of the doubt.
However, the Labour Union has stated that there would be no retreating from the scheduled industrial action in a statement released on Wednesday night and signed by its president Joe Ajaero.

The Department of State Security's unsolicited advice to postpone the union's planned protest against the historically high cost of living in spite of the indescribable suffering in the country, spiralling inflation, increasing poverty, and the Naira's exchange rate of N1,900 to the US dollar worried Ajaero, the union's spokesperson.

The president of the NLC expressed grave worry over "the Service's assignment to itself, the new role of the chief spokesperson of the government."
He suggested that the DSS should concentrate its efforts on apprehending "certain groups planning to exploit the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence”
We want to reassure them that no one loves this nation more than us and that, on our honour, we would never do anything that would interfere with its sovereignty or security. We are equally intrigued by the innuendos of the Service, their "peace" mentality, and their outrageous charges. He stated.

Ajaero insisted that the union will lead a nonviolent demonstration to put a stop to the misery of the country's population rather than submit to the DSS's attempts at extortion.

Having said that, we would not have allowed the Service to lie to us or use blackmail against us. We are peacefully protesting the unforgivable cost of living, of which the Service's unserviced personnel are also victims.

We're not able to fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive.”