The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly refuted claims that it has withdrawn from the planned nationwide protest against economic hardship set for August 1. NLC President Joe Ajaero has clarified that the union is not involved in organizing the protest and therefore cannot withdraw from it.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, Ajaero addressed the misinformation head-on, stating, “The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organize. Reports suggesting otherwise are completely false.” The statement, titled ‘The Nigeria Labour Congress cannot withdraw from a protest that it did not organise,’ underscores the NLC’s position on the matter.
Ajaero explained that the NLC operates through a well-defined decision-making process, which includes consultations within its trade union framework and approval from its leadership, before committing to any industrial action or protest. “The NLC follows a structured process to ensure that all actions, including protests, are carefully considered and approved,” he added.
Despite not being the organizer of the upcoming protest, Ajaero affirmed the NLC’s solidarity with the Nigerian populace, who have been grappling with severe economic challenges exacerbated by current government policies. “While we are not the body organizing this protest, we are not indifferent to the suffering and economic difficulties faced by Nigerians. Our support for the people remains unwavering during these challenging times,” he said.
Ajaero also called on President Bola Tinubu to engage with the leaders of the protest movement. “We urge President Tinubu and other government officials to open a dialogue with the protest leaders to address their demands and grievances. It is crucial for the government to listen to the voices of the people,” he stated.
The planned protest has gained significant traction on social media, with hashtags such as ‘#EndBadGovernance,’ ‘#TinubuMustGo,’ and ‘#Revolution2024’ trending. This indicates a growing public sentiment for action against the current economic conditions.
