CSOs Urge NLC to Reconsider Timing of Planned Protest Amid Rising Tensions

A coalition of civil society organizations (CSOs) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider the timing of its planned nationwide protest, citing the potential for democratic forces to hijack the demonstration and exacerbate already mounting tensions across the country.

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups on Transparency and Accountability, led by Danesi Momoh and Igwe Ude-Umanta, expressed their concerns during a press conference in Abuja.

They argued that the current economic hardship and rising tensions in Nigeria could create a dangerous situation if the protest were to go forward as planned.

One of the members of the coalition, the Empowerment for Unemployed Youth Initiative, coordinated the press conference and shared their concerns about the potential for chaos.

They questioned the NLC’s decision-making process, asking, “How did the NLC arrive at holding national protests as the best available solution to addressing their issues?”

The coalition emphasized the importance of security optics for a national protest, stating that the NLC’s large and strategic presence could contribute to a chaotic situation.

They urged the NLC to reassess the situation with stoicism and circumspection, suggesting that there might be other viable means to engage with the federal government on their concerns.

Despite the NLC’s confidence in a peaceful outcome due to their patriotic and peaceful track record, the CSOs remain concerned about the potential for the protest to be hijacked by other forces, leading to further unrest and instability in the country.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the NLC will heed the advice of the CSOs and reevaluate the timing and necessity of their planned protest, or if they will proceed as planned in the face of mounting tensions and security concerns.