In a recent appearance on Arise TV, Omoyele Sowore, the Presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general election, called upon Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Nigerians to take to the streets independently to protest against the growing hardship in the country. Sowore’s plea comes amidst escalating tensions between the government and the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC).
Sowore expressed concern that President Tinubu no longer held the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in high regard, emphasizing the need for CSOs to assert their voices in advocating for the welfare of Nigerians.
This call to action follows President Tinubu’s recent remarks at the inauguration of the red line project in Lagos, where he criticized the NLC for calling for a strike only nine months into his administration. Tinubu suggested that the labour union should wait until 2027 if they intended to contest for the presidency.
In response to Tinubu’s comments, Sowore emphasized the importance of developing new voices within the civil society movement and urged them not to rely solely on labour strikes as opportunities for protest.
Sowore recalled the “occupy Nigeria” movement in 2012, highlighting its significance in shaping political movements in the country. He criticized the notion of waiting until 2027 for action, stressing that the NLC had already raised concerns about hardships faced by Nigerians, particularly regarding the minimum wage.
Sowore’s call for independent protest underscores the need for proactive measures to address societal issues, regardless of the stance of government or labour unions. As tensions persist, the voices of civil society remain critical in advocating for the welfare and rights of Nigerians amidst challenging circumstances.
