The Presidency has criticized the nationwide protests led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), alleging that certain individuals are exploiting the country’s situation for their political motives.
Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, expressed this sentiment during an interview with TVC on Tuesday, as monitored by our correspondents. He deemed the protests organized by the NLC across the nation unnecessary.
On Tuesday, citizens and workers in various Nigerian cities, including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Kano, Benin, Osogbo, Akure, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Jos, Katsina, and other urban areas, took to the streets to protest against the prevailing economic hardships in the country.
The populace has been grappling with economic challenges following the removal of fuel subsidies and other economic reforms initiated by the Federal Government.
In a bid to voice their discontent with the prevailing hardships, the NLC initiated a two-day demonstration to pressure the federal and state governments to address the widespread hunger across the nation.
The NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) issued a nationwide strike notice on February 8, demanding the implementation of agreements reached on October 2, following the fuel subsidy removal.
However, the TUC withdrew from the protest, citing the NLC’s failure to involve them in the decision-making process.
Despite a last-minute meeting called by the Federal Government to dissuade the NLC from proceeding with the protest, the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, maintained that the protests would proceed as planned.
Ngelale, reiterating the government’s stance, stated that efforts were underway to mitigate the prevailing hardships in the country. He highlighted the withdrawal of the TUC and the National Association of Nigerian Students from the protests as evidence of the lack of consensus regarding the NLC’s actions.
While acknowledging the legitimacy of concerns raised by the unions, Ngelale cautioned against individuals exploiting the situation for political gain.
In response, the NLC President lamented the prevailing hardships in the country, emphasizing the need for urgent action to address the situation.