NLC Threatens Nationwide Protests Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of nationwide protests in response to the escalating insecurity across the country.
At the opening of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero stated that the union could no longer remain passive while criminal gangs continue to terrorize communities.
The Congress threatened to declare a national day of mourning and mobilize citizens for widespread demonstrations if the security situation does not improve.
Ajaero described Nigeria as being “under siege,” citing the recent school kidnapping and the unexplained withdrawal of security personnel prior to the attack. He demanded a thorough investigation to determine if there was any compromise within the security apparatus.
“The NLC cannot sit by and watch criminals take over our country. We want answers on why security operatives were withdrawn from that school. We will not allow kidnappers and bandits to dominate our nation,” he said.
He added that the Congress would soon provide details regarding the proposed national mourning and protests, emphasizing that the safety of teachers, students, and workers was at risk. “The situation is escalating, and we can no longer tolerate it,” Ajaero stated.
Additionally, the NLC President announced the withdrawal of Labour’s representatives from the Labour Party, accusing them of prioritizing personal interests over the union’s agenda.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, who also addressed the gathering, warned that Nigeria is in “serious trouble” due to the rising wave of kidnappings and attacks. He cautioned against calls for foreign military intervention, arguing that such actions could compromise the country’s sovereignty.
Falana criticized US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks on the situation as unacceptable and urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate steps to protect Nigerians. “We want the world to know that we are not a conquered people,” he added.
He also called on labour unions, civil society organizations, and citizens to remain vigilant and prepared to resist any further deterioration in the nation’s security.
