- * Labour President, Joe Ajaero, Assures Protest Will Be Peaceful
By Celestine Okafor (Editor-in-Chief)
The Department of State Services (DSS), on Wednesday, said it's attention has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage a nationwide protest in parts of country between 27th and 28th February, 2024 over the prevailing economic hardship in the nation.
The DSS in a statement on Wednesday by it's Director, PR & Strategic Communications, Dr Peter Nnochirionye Afunnanya, expressed concern that the planned protest might degenerate out of control and result to a disruption of the public order. The Service therefore advises the Labour union to shelve the protest in the interest of the nation.
The DSS however stated that while it recognises the legitimate right of the labour movement to embark on such civil action, the organised Labour should consider aborting such plan in the interest of peace and public order.
The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in what it described as conducts that could heighten tension in the country. The statement pointed out that t"his is more so that the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
"It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt. So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
"In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peace time, would not be attained in war-time. The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us on the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In time of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
"Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity. Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resort to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.
"Similarly, parents and guardians are implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony. Additionally, all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non governmental bodies are called upon to eschew violence; demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.
"Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian. Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.
"The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country", Dr Afunnanya stated.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has responded to the exhortations by the Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday.
In the response to the statement by DSS statement, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Joe Ajaero, dismissed the concerns by the State Security as unfounded though “unsolicited", assuring however that labour’s protest would be peaceful
The NLC boss hinted that the protest would very likely take place as planned: “We cannot fold our hands and pretend that all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive.
"We are concerned by the unsolicited advice of the Department of State Security (sic) to shelve our planned protest against the unprecedented high cost of living in spite of the indescribable suffering in the land, spiralling inflation, deepening poverty and the Naira at an exchange rate of N1,900 to the US Dollar.
“According to the Service, the planned protest should be shelved “in the interest of peace and public order”, pre-supposing that the action is intended to be violent and disruptive even when we have a history of peaceful protests.
“More worrying is the new role the Service has assigned to itself, the chief spokes person of the government. According to the Service, “It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt, So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties”.
“We are equally worried that although the ‘Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence’, and yet have not executed the arrest of these elements.
"We are equally worried that although the ‘Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence’, and yet have not executed the arrest of these elements.
“We are equally intrigued by the innuendos of the Service, their philosophy of ‘peace’ and wild allegations and we want to reassure them that no one loves this country more than us and on our honour, we would never do anything that will compeomisè its sovereignty or security.
“Having said this, we would not have ourselves blackmailed or lied against by the Service. Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living of which the unserviced personnel of the Service are also victims. We cannot fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive". NNL.
