..Warn DSS, Police , others against attacking protestersÂ
…Urge TUC to join protestsÂ
…Demand reversal of fuel subsidy removalÂ
By Wuraola OyedokunÂ
Some activists and an Ibadan-based group, All Concerned Nigerians (ACN), on Sunday, said anyone or group of people that is against hardship protests slated for February 27 and 28, 2024 across the country is the enemy of the people.
The national leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had announced its plan to hold a two-day protest following the failure of President Bola Tinubu to fulfill his promises to cushion the effects of hardship occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.
At a press conference held at the Agbowo area of Ibadan which was jointly addressed by Andrew Emelieze( a former Chairman of Trade Union Congress), Emiola Solomon (Leader of All Concerned Nigerians), Johnson Ajilore and Kunle Wizeman Ajayi, the activists said the hardship in the country was unbearable.
They also warned officers of Department of State Service (DSS), Nigeria Police Force and other security agents against destabilising the peaceful rally.
They decribed anyone against a genuine cause as fifth columnists.
They said: “We are faced with hunger and hardship and some are saying we should not protest. Does that mean we don’t fundamental human rights? Military and paramilitary outfits should protect Nigerians. The strike is in the interest of the officers too. They are being paid by tax payers’ money.
“We are behind the NLC.Traders, market women should join this protest. Let us make it a mass actions. All federal secretariats will be shut down. The TUC should rethink its position.
“We want to state that any organisation that is against a national protest at this period is hereby declared enemy of the people. How can people be in pains and any sane person is against national Protests?
“We also want to warn the DSS, the Police and soldiers to desist from threatening the Labour movement. Are you guys living on another planet? How many of you are living comfortably? We urge all military and security personnels to stand with the people in protests at this time. Even the palliatives promised, only two months have been paid to soliders and other security agencies. Whereas Tinubu and his cohorts in government are spending billions on SUVs and living large while the masses are in penury.
“Those shameless DSS agents calling themselves civil societies are tabula rasas who does not know more than being against the people. A real activist must always fight and stand alongside the people at all times!
“We want to use this opportunity to specially call on Comrade Festus Osifo and the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to in the interest of all working people reconvene and join the national protests. We know there can be issues. But workers future are what matters the most.
“Finally, we demand a reversal of all pro-IMF and World Bank policies of neo-iberalism that is inflicting pains on the people. We stand by NLC and we will mobilise all working people, youths and artisans to be in the streets come 26,27, and 28th of February. Nigerians cannot continue like this. We refuse to die of hunger. We are taking our destinies into our hands”.