Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Chinagorom Ugwu
Published on 2024-02-27 16:00:56
On Tuesday, there was a scene of tension at the secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Enugu State as police authorities in the state advised NLC members against proceeding with their planned protest. The national leadership of the NLC had organized a nationwide protest for Tuesday and Wednesday to address the escalating economic hardships in Nigeria. Despite this, several NLC members in Enugu State gathered at the secretariat by 9:00 a.m., preparing for the protest.
However, the protest only took place within the confines of the secretariat as the members held placards with different messages. Some of the placards carried slogans like “stop hunger, lower food prices,” “double allocation to politicians, renewed hunger for the people,” and “Save Naira, stop the collapse of industries.” The protesters vocally chanted for their plight, emphasizing their hunger and need for change.
The chairperson of the NLC chapter in Enugu State, Fabian Nwigbo, addressed the media, revealing that security agencies had visited the office to request the cancellation of the protest or confine it within the secretariat premises. The police authorities cited concerns over security and risk of potential hijacking of the protest as reasons for their intervention. They promised to ensure the safety of the members if the protest was contained to the secretariat.
Despite the interruption on Tuesday, Nwigbo expressed the NLC’s intention to regroup on Wednesday as planned, albeit with uncertainty on whether they would take the protest to the streets. He disclosed that he had urged the police to increase their presence on Wednesday to ensure the safety of the members during the protest.
In a refusal to comment on the matter, the police spokesperson in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, did not respond to calls and messages seeking clarification on the situation. The NLC members, determined to have their voices heard, remained steadfast in their commitment to bring attention to the economic hardships faced by Nigerians.
The NLC’s protest in Enugu was part of a broader call for action against the deteriorating economic conditions in Nigeria, with a focus on issues such as rising food prices, inadequate government support, and the declining value of the Naira. The members sought to draw attention to the challenges faced by ordinary citizens and the urgent need for government intervention.
As the nation grapples with economic uncertainties and social tensions, the NLC’s efforts to advocate for change and address the concerns of the people reflect a widespread sentiment of dissatisfaction and frustration among many Nigerians. The resolve and determination of the NLC members in Enugu sent a powerful message about the urgent need for action and reform to alleviate the struggles of the populace.
Despite the obstacles faced during the protest, the NLC members remained resolute in their commitment to press for change and demand accountability from the government. Their actions underscored the importance of civil activism in shaping the trajectory of the country and addressing the pressing issues affecting its citizens. The unity and determination displayed by the NLC members in Enugu serve as a reminder of the power of collective action and advocacy in fostering positive change in society.
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