By Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Police Command, has denied knowledge of the alleged planned nationwide protest by the Nigerian Labour Congress.
Recall that the organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to implement the October, 2, 2023 agreement on palliative packages to cushion fuel subsidy removal or face a strike action.
The ultimatum in a statement jointly signed by the NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the president of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, in Abuja reads in part: “Constrained by this development and recognizing the urgency of the situation and the imperative of ensuring the protection and defense of the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers and citizens. The NLC and TUC hereby issue a stern ultimatum to the Federal Government, to honour their part of the understanding within 14 Days from tomorrow, the 9th day of February, 2024.
“It is regrettable that we are compelled to resort to such measures, but the persistent neglect of the welfare of citizens and Nigerian workers and the massive hardship leaves us with no choice. Therefore, everything must be done within the two weeks to avoid a situation where we may be compelled to take appropriate steps to protect Nigerian workers and masses. We call upon the federal government to honor its commitments without delay. The time for empty promises and excuses has passed. The time for action is now. Our patience has worn thin and the situation has become unbearable for workers and masses all over the federation. Further silence amounts to committing mass suicide and this remains the only feasible course of action left for us and Nigerians to -compel remedial action by government”.
But responding to the questions on how prepared the FCT Police Command is ahead of the planned industrial action by organized labour, the Spokesperson of the Command, SP Josephine Adeh, in a brief statement on Tuesday said: “FCT Security: In response to concerns raised by some Journalists over the planned nationwide protests by the NLC and the security of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), I wish to note that the FCT Police Command isn’t aware of any intending protest, however measures will be emplaced to ensure that hoodlums do not take advantage of any activities of the NLC to disrupt the peace in the FCT, if the protest does occur”.
