The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) unveiled that its members and leadership encountered threats and intimidation ahead of their planned two-day nationwide protest.
Despite facing these challenges, the Labour Union proceeded with the protest as scheduled on Tuesday.
In a press conference on Wednesday, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed that the union received information about various agents mobilized to incite violence along the protest routes. This prompted them to suspend the second day of protests.
Earlier, the NLC had declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, 2024, addressing the economic challenges Nigerians have been grappling with since the removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023.
Following Tuesday’s successful protest across state capitals and major cities, the NLC announced the suspension of the second day, citing achievement of the protest’s objectives.
Ajaero emphasized that the cancellation of the second day was a strategic move by the NLC. However, he warned that if the government doesn’t meet the union’s demands within the new ultimatum, the National Executive Council would decide on the next course of action.
“We faced threats but remained undeterred as our commitment to alleviating the suffering of Nigerian workers and masses compelled us to press forward,” Ajaero stated during Wednesday’s briefing.
He highlighted evidence of agents mobilized to instigate violence during Tuesday’s protest, but noted that the NLC remained resolute in defending the interests of Nigerian workers and the masses.
Ajaero concluded by stating that if the government fails to comply within the specified timeframe, the NEC will reconvene to determine the next steps, affirming the NLC’s steadfast commitment to its cause amidst challenges and intimidation.
