In a bold rebuff to the Department of State Security’s (DSS) cautionary advice, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has firmly declared its intention to proceed with a planned nationwide protest against the soaring cost of living. Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the NLC, labeled the DSS’s warning as “unsolicited advice,” accusing the agency of acting as the government’s mouthpiece in an attempt to deter the peaceful demonstration. Ajaero stressed the union’s commitment to peaceful protest, aiming to draw attention to the dire economic conditions faced by Nigerian workers, including rampant inflation, deepening poverty, and a plummeting Naira.

Despite the DSS’s assertion that the government is taking steps to alleviate the economic strain, Ajaero and the NLC remain unconvinced, citing a lack of visible progress and concrete actions to mitigate the hardships endured by the populace. The NLC also challenged the DSS’s failure to apprehend those it claims are seeking to hijack the protest for violent ends, questioning the agency’s commitment to safeguarding peace and security.

Ajaero’s statement underscores the protesters’ patriotism and dedication to the country’s welfare, emphasizing that the demonstration aims to protest against the intolerable living conditions that even DSS personnel are not immune to. The Labour leader’s message is clear: silence and inaction are complicit in the ongoing crisis, and the NLC is prepared to make its voice heard, refusing to let history judge them for inaction.

The DSS had previously urged the NLC to consider dialogue over protest, citing concerns for peace and public order. However, the NLC maintains that its track record of peaceful demonstrations speaks for itself and that the planned protest is not intended to be disruptive but to signal a call for urgent governmental action on the economic front.

As tensions rise, the NLC’s stand represents a critical moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with economic instability and governance challenges. The union’s resolve to voice the grievances of countless Nigerians suffering under the weight of economic policies and conditions sets the stage for a significant showdown in the quest for relief and reform.