**The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC)** has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s handling of the #EndBadGovernance protests and called for an immediate reversal of the policies that have led to economic hardship across the nation.
In an emergency meeting held on Wednesday, the NEC assessed the impact of the government’s policies on Nigerian workers and the general public. The meeting resulted in a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, expressing deep concern over the government’s response to the protests that began on August 1, 2024.
The #EndBadGovernance protests, driven by widespread discontent with the government’s economic policies, have been met with violent repression by security forces, leading to civilian deaths and injuries.
“The NEC is deeply troubled by the government’s high-handed and mismanaged response to the peaceful #EndBadGovernance protests. Instead of addressing the legitimate and fundamental grievances of the people, the government has resorted to violence,” the communiqué stated.
The NLC criticized the government’s implementation of policies influenced by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), labeling them as “anti-poor.” The labour union had previously warned that such policies would cause significant hardship, but these warnings were disregarded by the authorities.
The NEC also condemned the misuse of treasonable felony charges against peaceful protesters, arguing that the government’s actions trivialize this serious charge.
“The continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by Government operatives abuses and makes a mockery of it as a high crime against the state,” the communiqué added.
In response, the NLC has demanded several measures, including:
– The reversal of the government’s economic policies and the introduction of immediate relief measures to mitigate the suffering of workers and the public.
– A National Day of Mourning to honor those who lost their lives during the protests.
– An independent investigation into the deaths and injuries of protesters.
– Meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to address the crisis.
The NLC warned that if the government fails to engage in constructive dialogue, the union may direct its members to stay home to ensure their safety.
“The NEC-in-session urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake to end the national carnage. This is to avoid NLC being compelled to direct its members to stay home for the safety of their lives,” the communiqué said.
Additionally, the NEC expressed strong disapproval of the government’s interference in the NLC’s affairs, particularly criticizing a “politically motivated” letter sent by the Registrar of Trade Unions.
The NLC has called for the immediate withdrawal of this letter and reiterated its commitment to advocating for the rights and well-being of Nigerian workers and citizens.
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