The Presidency has again warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) not to proceed with its planned two-day nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in the country.
Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, reiterated the caution, expressing concerns over potential consequences.
“There might be a possible hijack of the procession, arguing that it could worsen the deteriorating situation,” Onanuga stated firmly.
Despite the warning, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, affirmed in a statement on Sunday that the protest would proceed as scheduled on Tuesday and Wednesday.
The planned protest follows the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government over unmet agreements reached on October 2, 2023, after the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Onanuga, in an interview with The PUNCH, labeled the protest as “a breach of the law” and “an illegal undertaking.” He cited correspondence from the attorney-general to the NLC’s lawyer, highlighting the protest’s illegality.
He said, “The attorney-general has written the NLC’s lawyer that the protest is illegal. So, they are breaching a court order if they want to go on with the protest.
“We are not aware of any plans to disrupt the protest, but what we can confirm is that they (NLC) are breaching an extant rule by a competent court that they should not go on protest. The protest itself is illegal. So, the NLC should bear that in mind.”