The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has reaffirmed that the planned nationwide protest scheduled for December 17 will go ahead as announced.Ajaero made the declaration shortly after paying a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum and Governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya, in Gombe.
He dismissed any suggestion that the protest might be cancelled, saying there had been no indication to the contrary. According to him, the demonstration is intended to draw attention to the growing impact of insecurity on the country.Ajaero expressed concern over the economic consequences of insecurity, noting that it is discouraging investors from coming into Nigeria. He explained that the protest is meant to remind the government of its responsibility to address worsening economic conditions, insecurity, banditry, and other challenges facing the nation.
Highlighting the toll of insecurity on workers and the general population, the NLC president cited cases of daily kidnappings and killings. He referenced a recent incident in Kebbi State where a teacher was killed, adding that many of those abducted are children of workers. He stressed the need for authorities to identify and apprehend those responsible.
According to Ajaero, the protest is designed to support and strengthen the government’s resolve in tackling the country’s numerous problems, rather than undermine it. He called on Nigerians to unite in confronting the country’s declining values, describing banditry and kidnapping for ransom as practices that are alien to the nation’s cultural identity. He insisted that the government must urgently bring an end to the wave of abductions and violent crimes.Ajaero also pointed out the financial burden placed on workers whose colleagues or family members are kidnapped, noting that ransoms are often raised through loans and personal contributions.
He described public advocacy as the NLC’s most effective tool, stressing that the congress has no other means of confronting insecurity except through peaceful protest and public engagement. He said the action is aimed at alerting both Nigerians and the international community that the situation is unacceptable and must be addressed.
The NLC had earlier, on December 8, announced plans for a nationwide protest to condemn rising insecurity across the country. The congress criticised the kidnapping and killing of a school staff member during an attack in Kebbi State and questioned the withdrawal of security personnel from the school before the incident.It also described the increasing attacks on educational institutions as alarming and urged the Federal Government to ensure adequate security for schools, especially those in remote and vulnerable locations.
Additionally, the congress raised concerns about challenges in the tertiary education sector, the ongoing strike by the Joint Health Sector Unions, and the revival of the Labour–Civil Society Coalition. It also commented on the state of the Labour Party, urging members to reposition it in line with working-class values, principles, and integrity.
Source: https://www.channelstv.com/
