By Ken Afor
The Department of State Services (DSS) has appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shelve the planned protest in the interest of peace and public order amid the current hardship in the country.
The DSS made the appeal in a statement released on Wednesday by Mr. Peter Afunanya, Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications at the DSS.
According to the DSS, while it recognizes protest as the legitimate right of the labor movement, the leadership of the labor unions should adopt the options of dialogue and negotiation rather than dissipating their energies on activities that could heighten the already tense atmosphere.
It noted that while the federal government is making efforts to alleviate the suffering of the masses, the labor movement should allow the various measures put in place by the government to yield the needed results.
It stated, “The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February, 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues. While the Service recognises such action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.
“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions. This 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.”
The DSS called on parents and guardians to monitor their children for any violent activities that could jeopardize public safety.
It also appealed to political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies to desist from making inciting comments and instead demonstrate leadership in these trying times.
It added, “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.”
It would be recalled that last week, the NLC directed its members and affiliate unions to mobilize for a two-day nationwide protest scheduled for Tuesday, February 27, and Wednesday, February 28, 2024.
The two-day protest will take place following the expiration of the 14-day ultimatum the union earlier issued.
The planned protest was due to the non-implementation of the agreements signed with the federal government on October 2, 2023.
The New Diplomat recalls that in October 2023, as part of the agreement reached with the unions, the Federal Government promised to implement the N35,000 wage award for civil servants, which has not been fully adhered to.
The N35,000 wage award was intended as part of the palliative measures for workers to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy in May 2023.
However, this has unleashed more suffering on the people beyond imagination, as prices of goods and services continue to steadily rise.
