In a united front against perceived economic hardship, major opposition parties in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Labour Party, have pledged their support for the two-day protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Meanwhile, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) expresses concerns over potential hijacking of the protest.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, issued a warning of a total economic shutdown if any protesting members faced attacks during the scheduled two-day protest. This follows recent appeals from the Department of State Services urging the labor union to reconsider, citing concerns about potential infiltration by disruptive elements.
Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Abdullahi Ibrahim, emphasized that economic challenges justify the masses’ participation in the protest, asserting that labor has consistently voiced concerns on behalf of workers. He stated, “The PDP agrees with labor. The reality on the ground defies human comprehension.”
Yunusa Tanko, spokesperson for the Labour Party Campaign Organisation, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the people’s right to express frustration with policies perceived as anti-people. Tanko called for an extension of the protest’s demands to include constitutional and electoral reforms.
However, the ruling APC, through National Publicity Director Bala Ibrahim, expressed concerns about the potential for the protest to be hijacked. Ibrahim acknowledged the government’s acknowledgment of prevailing hardships and urged the NLC to reconsider, citing ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by the populace.
“The NLC should have a rethink. Let’s not do something that will be injurious simply because we want to play to the gallery. This protest is ill-timed. We implore them to give the FG a benefit of doubt and see what is being done. But certainly, things are being done that are in line with the yearning of the people,” Ibrahim stated.