NLC Expresses Regret Over Non-Participation in #EndBadGovernance Protest, Accuses Tinubu Government of Stifling Opposition
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Trek Africa Newspaper reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed regret over its decision to abstain from the #EndBadGovernance protest that took place in August. Benson Upah, the NLC’s Head of Information, accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of silencing confrontation voices and suppressing dissent.
During an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Upah accused the government’s recent actions, including the arrest of labour leaders, which he considered as a game plan to divert attention from the rising cost of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
He claimed that the arrests were illegal and evidence of an emerging dictatorship.
“The government has just introduced another PMS price hike and is using these arrests to distract us,” Upah stated.
He further expressed his disappointment that individuals who once fought for democracy were now engaging in undemocratic practices, but reassured that the labour movement would not be threatened, asserting that “the Nigerian spirit is strong and resilient.”
Upah stated that NLC President Joe Ajaero had not been avoiding security agencies and was never called for questioning.
Despite this, Ajaero was arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) without a valid clarification.
Upah presumed that the government’s actions were part of a broader effort to silence opposition, stating that the government “wants us to praise its policies, even if they harm us, but we will not be inactive advocate” He reveals that the NLC is prepared to continue protests if necessary.
Analysing on the protest in August, Upah acknowledged that the NLC should have joined the #EndBadGovernance movement, suggesting that doing so might have stopped the government from trespassing the union’s headquarters.
He dismissed accusations of terrorism, treason, and cybercrime against NLC leaders as baseless and urged the government to focus on Arresting real criminals.
The NLC remains firm in its commitment to challenging government policies and standing out to defend the rights of Nigerian workers.
