The Presidency has once again cautioned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) against carrying out its two-day nationwide protest against the increasing cost of living in the country.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, issued the warning, expressing concerns about the potential hijacking of the protest and its potential to worsen the current situation.
Despite the warning, NLC President Joe Ajaero reaffirmed in a statement on Sunday that the protest would proceed as planned on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The NLC had initially announced the nationwide protest set for Tuesday and Wednesday on February 16, citing the government’s alleged failure to implement agreements made on October 2, 2023, after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The decision was made after a 14-day ultimatum was given to the Federal Government to take action against the widespread hardship.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Onanuga called it a violation of the law and an illegal action.
He said, “The attorney-general has written the NLC’s lawyer that the protest is illegal. So, they are breaching a court order if they want to go on with the protest.
“We are not aware of any plans to disrupt the protest, but what we can confirm is that they (NLC) are breaching an extant rule by a competent court that they should not go on protest. The protest itself is illegal. So, the NLC should bear that in mind.”
