Protesters from the Organised Labour, who were expressing their discontent against what they termed “anti-people” policies, forcefully gained entry into the Assembly complex by breaking down the first gate on Wednesday. Subsequently, they moved on to the second gate of the complex.
The protest, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliated unions, commenced in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, and spread to several other states, including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.
Before converging at the Assembly complex, the demonstrators gathered at the Unity Fountain, where some officials of the NLC and TUC from the FCT were also present. A significant security presence, comprising officers from the Nigeria Police Force and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), was observed at the Unity Fountain during the protest.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, told Channels Television at the venue that there is “nothing stopping the protest, not even an overture from the government”.
He said that the Organised Labour won’t shelve the protest until there is a response from the government.
Ajaero said the response from the states will determine “whether the protest will be from today, or tomorrow or next or till thy kingdom come, it is not by using force”.
“We are here for the protest and to make a statement that since we started negotiation, that there is nothing we have in our hands.”
Last week, the NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and demanded “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.