Festus Osifo, the National President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), has made it clear that organized labor is not involved in the upcoming national protest planned for August, known as “EndBadGovernanceInNigeria.” Osifo stated that the organizers did not consult with the TUC or seek their partnership for the protest.
Addressing the media on Thursday regarding the state of the nation, Osifo emphasized that while organized labor has its own methods of addressing governmental policies, it is crucial for the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to tackle the pressing economic issues facing the country.
Osifo underscored that Nigerians have a constitutional right to protest and cautioned against the use of security forces to suppress these rights. He stated, “Nobody has contacted the union to secure partnership in a protest, hence that was not supposed to mean that Nigerians cannot protest if they wish to do so. So it is the duty of the police and all security personnel to protect them.”
In a related statement, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) President Joe Ajaero also warned the federal government against employing security agencies to intimidate citizens planning to protest on August 1. He highlighted that Nigerians suffering from economic hardships have the right to voice their grievances.
Ajaero remarked, “It is very difficult to tell a Nigerian who has lost his or her job due to the current economic downturn to maintain their cool. It is very tough to advise a nursing mother who is unsure where the next meal for her suckling child to be at ease. It is a herculean task to demand patience from a youth who has been out of school for the past six years without a job and is burdened with aged parents to cater for. During these very difficult times, the right of Nigerians to complain must be fully respected.”
Both labor leaders stressed the importance of dialogue over conflict, urging the government to heed the demands of the protesters and address their concerns.
