Protest: NLC adamant as FG, Afenifere, Ohanaeze, others differ

By Tunde Opalana, Ukpono Ukpong

There were discordant tunes on Sunday over the planned two-day nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the current economic hardship in the country.

The two-day protest is scheduled to commence on Tuesday, February 27 through Thursday, February 28. Labour is pressing ahead with the protest days after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum it gave the government to address concerns arising from the biting effects of its economic policies.

Alleging plans by hired agents of the federal government to attack protesters, the NLC on Sunday threatened a total shutdown of economic activities nationwide if the protesters were attacked. In a statement on Sunday endorsed by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the Congress accused the government of orchestrating attacks on its members during the planned protest.

READ ALSO: Falana writes AGF over NLC planned mass protest

Specifically, Ajaero pointed fingers at a group he identified as the “Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF),” which he said, is allegedly being manipulated by the government to perpetrate violence against protesters.

Ajaero emphasised that despite these revelations, the NLC remained undeterred in its resolve to proceed with the planned protest. He underscored the fundamental right of citizens to peaceful assembly and cautioned against any attempts to suppress dissent through violence.

In the face of potential aggression, Ajaero reaffirmed the Congress’ determination to stand firm alongside other Nigerians in demanding an end to economic hardship and injustice. He warned that any violent crackdown on protesters would only escalate tensions and lead to a total shutdown of services by workers.

The statement concluded with a plea to international human rights bodies and the governments of the African Union and the United Nations to take note of the threats to peaceful protest in Nigeria.

The NLC reiterated its unwavering commitment to expressing grievances peacefully through the protest. But the Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi SAN, appealed to the Congress to suspend the protest. In a letter dated February 23, 2024, addressed to the NLC’s counsel, Femi Falana (SAN), Fagbemi reminded the NLC of an existing court order restraining the Congress from engaging in any industrial action.

Fagbemi’s letter stated, “The proposed nationwide protest action is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order… restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature.”

The Attorney General emphasised that the planned protest aimed to compel the government to meet labour demands, which qualifies as an industrial action prohibited by the restraining order. Fagbemi noted the government’s efforts to fulfill the demands outlined in the memorandum of understanding with the NLC, urging organised labour to engage further with the government for full implementation, especially considering unforeseen challenges.

In a swift reaction, however, legal counsel to the NLC, Mr Femi Falana, countered that the planned protest is not in violation of any court orders. Falana, in response to the AGF, insisted that the planned protest is within legal bounds and does not constitute contempt, despite government warnings.

Falana’s stance stems from the withdrawal of contempt proceedings against the NLC and TUC following their protest on August 2, 2023, against rising living costs. The activist lawyer highlighted what he described as contradictory government actions, stating that the NLC’s intended protest is not in defiance of court orders.

In a letter addressed to the AGF, Falana emphasised the NLC’s challenge to the jurisdiction of the National Industrial Court in handling the case, arguing that the issue of contempt does not arise.

The NLC legal counsel cited precedents and fundamental rights, asserting that the Industrial Court did not restrict the NLC and TUC from exercising their freedom of expression to protest economic hardship. In response to the AGF’s plea to halt the protests, Falana advised the NLC to proceed peacefully, urging the government to ensure adequate security for participants, as provided by law.

Meanwhile, foremost pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has appealed to Yoruba citizens to refrain from joining the planned protest The call comes amidst demonstrations in various states, including those with significant Yoruba populations. Chairman of Afenifere Elders Caucus, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, who made the call on Sunday, emphasised the need for patience and understanding.

Fasoranti acknowledged the government’s efforts in addressing the economic challenges. He canvassed constructive engagement with the Federal Government, cautioning that the planned instead could escalate tensions in the country.

The Afenifere expressed confidence in the administration’s commitment to long-term prosperity despite short-term difficulties. On its part, a Northern political interest group has blamed “greedy politicians” for what it described as attacks on President Bola Tinubu’s economic policies.

The group, under the aegis of Arewa Think Tank, in a reaction on Sunday, pointed fingers at “self-serving politicians” for stoking public outrage against President Tinubu amidst economic challenges. Highlighting the severity of the economic downturn reminiscent of past crises, the Chief Convener of the group, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, assured Nigerians of impending relief from Tinubu’s relentless efforts.

Yakubu cautioned against sensationalising the prevailing hardship, urging discernment to avoid falling prey to detractors intent on undermining Tinubu’s administration. Drawing parallels to historical instances of exaggerated hardship, he advocated for measured criticism, emphasising the need for unity in addressing national challenges.

Proposing concrete solutions, the Arewa Think Tank urged collaborative efforts among government tiers to allocate funds for immediate relief measures, targeting the most vulnerable populations. The group denounced what it termed “the manipulation of food scarcity by unscrupulous individuals”, calling for concerted action to alleviate the plight of Nigerians.

The pan Igbo apex group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had, on February 20, 2024, sounded a similar cautionary note to Igbo sons and daughters not to join any protest against the Tinubu administration.

The President-General of Ohanaeze, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the group had emphasised the historical repercussions faced by Igbo youths when engaging in protests against the Nigerian government, citing instances of arrests and severe charges. Addressing the press in Enugu, Iwuanyanwu had expressed deep concern over the current economic crisis in Nigeria and pledged to convene a meeting of prominent Igbo economists and experts to devise strategies for overcoming the hardships.

“As your leader, I direct that no Igbo group or community within Nigeria or in the diaspora should partake in any protest against the current government,” Iwuanyanwu had stated. He highlighted the need for a thorough assessment of past actions and positions concerning the present administration. Furthermore, he underscored the Igbo’s preference for democratic governance and reiterated the need for peaceful means to express grievances, emphasising the global trend of youth activism.

Iwuanyanwu pointed out the disproportionate treatment faced by Igbo youths compared to their counterparts from other ethnic groups. He cited the case of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose arrest and detention exacerbated tensions within the Igbo community despite widespread appeals for his release.

In his own intervention, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged the federal government to address the prevailing economic hardship with the right reforms. Atiku urged Tinubu to take a cue from his Argentina counterpart, President Javier Milei who was able to turn around his country’s economic downturn with a period of two months with people oriented economic reforms.

Atiku, in a statement on Sunday, cautioned the government against dismissing the grievances of Nigerians facing severe economic hardship.

The former vice president emphasised that the government’s failure to address these challenges would inevitably lead to further discontentment and unrest among the populace. He urged President Tinubu to draw inspiration from Argentina’s President Javier Milei in implementing effective economic reforms tailored to Nigeria’s current predicament.

Highlighting parallels between Nigeria and Argentina’s economic downturn, Atiku underscored the need for decisive action to steer the country away from its current trajectory. He commended Milei’s of proactive approach to stabilising Argentina’s economy, which prioritised fiscal responsibility, transparency, and strategic reforms.

Atiku claimed Milei’s economic reforms were in line with his own economic recovery plan, encapsulated in his “Recover Nigeria Plan,” According to him, his own economic reforms blueprint outlined strategic measures to revitalise the economy and enhance its resilience.

“Key components of the plan include improving spending efficiency, blocking leakages, and pursuing privatisation where necessary”, he said.

Atiku said with discontentment mounting and protests intensifying, advocacy for meaningful reform serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need for proactive leadership and decisive action to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.