In Anambra State’s capital of Awka, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) have convened to voice their concerns over the prevailing economic hardship in the country.
Led by NLC chairman Humphrey Nwafor, the protesters gathered at the Aroma Roundabout before marching toward the Government House gate. The demonstration also saw participation from the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), led by chairman Prof. Kingsley Ubaoji.
During the protest, Nwafor highlighted the unbearable economic conditions faced by workers and citizens, urging the Federal Government to consider raising workers’ salaries to a minimum of N1.2 million as a potential solution. Additionally, he called upon the state governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, to reinstate the payment of the N12,000 wage award, which had ceased for several months.
In a separate address, ASUU chairman Ubaoji appealed to Governor Soludo to address the poor state of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, emphasizing the dilapidated infrastructure and urging the governor to take action.
The peaceful protest was safeguarded by the presence of security operatives, including the police personnel and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, aimed at ensuring the protection of the demonstrators and preventing any potential disruption by unruly elements.