NLC begins what it calls “hunger protest” as cost of living skyrockets
NLC Hunger protest in pictures
Nigerians protesting against hunger
Policemen chatting with the protesters
Protesters gathering in Lagos
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
“This is hunger protest, not strike,” Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero clarified on Arise News this morning, just before citizens trooped out in large numbers in Lagos, Abuja and other states of the federation to voice out their discontent over the hunger pillaging the land.
The NLC began its promised nationwide two-day protest after the ground for it was watered on Monday with hunger protests organised by rights activists in Lagos, Osogbo, and Benin City – with placards railing at President Bola Tinubu.
Some groups and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) said they would not join this particular protest but the NLC insisted on it, citing how the government has failed at every turn to fulfil its promises, while citizens are dying of hunger.
But despite TUC’s withdrawal and apparent infiltration of organised labour by the government with the goal of breaking their ranks, many Nigerians ravaged by hunger and deprivations and general economic hardship came out to protest.
A meeting the NLC had with government officials on Monday evening to prevent the protest ended in a stalemate.
Ajaero, on Monday, said the union would embark on a peaceful rally to express their grievances over the deteriorating economic crisis and high cost of living in the country.
Speaking with journalists, Ajaero said it is the responsibility of both parties to ensure the protest is peaceful.
He asked the federal government to provide security to members of the union as part of the fundamental rights of citizens as enshrined in the constitution.
He said members of the union will march to the national and state assemblies across the country to submit the demands to the lawmakers and government officials.
“The rally goes on but it is part of their (government) constitutional responsibility to make sure that the rally is peaceful while we are going to try on our own side to make sure it is peaceful. That’s all,” Ajaero said.
This is breaking news. Details later….
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