NLC President Reveals How Tinubu Can Prevent Planned Protest

Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called on President Bola Tinubu to engage in dialogue with leaders of groups planning a nationwide protest on August 1st. Ajaero emphasized that the right to protest is fundamental, noting the widespread anger among Nigerians over the country’s economic conditions.

In a statement issued on Monday, Ajaero underscored the severity of the economic situation, referencing data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC). He pointed out that many Nigerian families are struggling to afford even one meal a day, with millions living in extreme poverty.

Ajaero criticized the government’s response to the protests, arguing that dismissing citizens’ grievances as “sponsored political dissent” is both condescending and dismissive. He stressed the need for the government to listen empathetically to its citizens.

He highlighted the role of the organized labour movement in protesting against harsh economic policies, including increases in petroleum prices, electricity costs, and public utility charges. Ajaero warned the government against responding to protests with hostility, suggesting that such an approach would only exacerbate the people’s suffering and frustration.

“As the date for the widely reported national protest looms, the Nigeria Labour Congress urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to invite the leadership of the protest movement for discussions on their grievances,” Ajaero said.

“These are dire times. Nigerians are angry. The times require the government to ‘jaw-jaw’ and not ‘war-war’ with Nigerians. The truth is that you cannot smack a child and, at the same time, ask the child not to cry. A stitch in time might still save nine. Solidarity forever.”