National Telescope national telescope newspaper
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has refuted claims that it has withdrawn from a planned nationwide protest against economic hardship set for August 1.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero clarified that the union cannot withdraw from a protest it did not organize.
In a press release titled “The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organize.”
Ajaero stated that “a news report of the withdrawal of the Nigeria Labour Congress from the widely discussed national protest has been brought to our attention.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress debunks such a story as patently false. Ajaero emphasized that the NLC has a structured decision-making process involving internal trade union mechanisms and leadership approval for its industrial actions, such as protests, to ensure proper consideration before any action is taken.
“However, the fact that the Nigeria Labour Congress is not the organizing body for the protest does not mean that organized labor is unaware of the severe living conditions Nigerians are facing due to harsh government economic policies,” he noted.
Ajaero expressed solidarity with the Nigerian people during these challenging times and urged President Bola Tinubu to invite protest leaders for dialogue.
“We once again urge the Federal Government and sub-national governments to heed the cries of the Nigerian people and take necessary action.
After all, it is said that the voice of the people is the voice of God,” Ajaero added.
The planned protest has gained momentum on social media with hashtags like “#EndBadGovernance,” “#TinubuMustGo,” and “#Revolution2024.”
Meanwhile, the Presidency and police authorities have urged youths to abandon the protest plan.
