Amid the economic hardship in Nigeria, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has insisted that its planned Tuesday and Wednesday protests over “mounting hunger and insecurity” in Nigeria will go on.
This is even as the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has appealed to Yorubas not to participate in the planned nationwide protests.
Reuben Fasoranti, the chairman of the Afenifere Elders Caucus, urged Yorubas and Nigerians to be understanding with Tinubu’s government.
On February 16, the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, disclosed plans to embark on a two-day strike, scheduled for February 27 and 28, to protest the economic hardship being faced by Nigerians.
Fasoranti, however, said the economic measures by the federal government are aimed at bringing prosperity to the country.
The Afenifere leader noted that the government is committed to addressing the root causes of the current economic hardship.
In a statement he signed, Fasoranti said: “As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions.
“The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.
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Meanwhile, NLC President Joe Ajaero in a statement on Sunday vowed that the protest will go on as planned.
He accused the Federal Government of allegedly trying to use an amorphous group, the Nigeria Civil Society Forum, NCSF, to attack 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 NLC statement reads: “We would like 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.”
