August 02, (THEWILL) –
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has kicked off its nationwide mass protest amid tight security.
This is coming after Tuesday’s failed last minute attempt by the Federal Government to dissuade organised Labour from the protest.
The protest commenced at about 8:30 am on Wednesday, at the Unity Fountain, in Abuja.
Armed with flags, placards and loudspeakers, members of the NLC in large numbers are protesting the delayed implementation of palliatives to cushion the immediate effects of fuel subsidy removal, as well as other economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Also in Lagos, protesters, who converged at Ikeja under-bridge, marched through Awolowo way to Alausa, the State House of Assembly.
Ahead of the protest, the Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, ordered a watertight security strategy across the country.
Egbetokun warned that the Police would not tolerate any act of vandalism, gangsterism, or extortion that threatens public peace and order.
The NLC on Tuesday evening, urged Nigerians `to ignore reports about a possible suspension of the protest.
The Congress, in a statement signed by its National President, Joe Ajaero, said despite its meeting with the Federal Government, the protest will go on as scheduled across major cities in the country.
“We want to inform all Nigerians that we have just risen from a meeting with the Federal Government where we sought to get them to listen to the demands of the people and workers of Nigeria.
“The outcome of this meeting earlier today has however not changed anything or the course which we have set for ourselves tomorrow as custodians of the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and people.
“Nigerians are advised to ignore the work of fifth columnists who are working hard against the wishes of the people. We urge everyone to gather in our respective states and wherever we may be across the nation to give vent to this collective resolve”, he said.
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