The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has decided to set aside a National Day of Mourning to honour those who were injured or killed during the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests across the country.

NLC disclosed this in a communique issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Wednesday, to assess the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general populace in light of the severe hardship, deprivation, and hunger afflicting the nation.

In the document which was signed by the Congress, President Joe Ajaero and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, NEC expressed strong disapproval of the government’s heavy-handed response to the #EndBadGovernance protests.

It also accused the authorities of escalating the crisis through violent repression rather than addressing the legitimate grievances of the protesters.

NLC also condemned the trivialization of serious charges like treasonable felony, questioning why military leaders focus on protesters instead of addressing broader security issues.

The NLC demanded a reversal of harmful policies and immediate relief measures to soothe the sufferings of Nigerians.

“The NEC-in-session noted that the Government cannot hope to stop a democratic protest by threatening the people who are already losing their lives by the unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters by the Police but by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue.

“The NEC condemns in the strongest terms the human rights violations perpetrated by security forces against peaceful protesters. The right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, and its suppression through violence is unacceptable. The attempt to criminalize protest is completely deplorable especially in a democracy. The hiring and use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda in an effort to scuttle the protests is most unfortunate.

“In light of the foregoing, the NEC resolves as follows:

Demand for Policy Reversal: The NLC demands the reversal of all the ill-conceived policies that have led to the current economic crisis. The government must implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.

“Call for a Day of Mourning: NEC – in – Session mandates the national leadership to decide on the day NLC will set aside as a National Day of Mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests.

“Call for Accountability: The NEC calls for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters. Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families. All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in Government’s gulag must be freed without delay.

“Dialogue and Engagement: The NEC-in-session urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake to end the national carnage. This is to avoid NLC being compelled direct its members to stay home for the safety of their lives.

“Immediate Relief Measures:

The government must implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace. This includes the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets in a way that it would reach the people and not be hijacked by politicians.

“Stop politically motivated Meddling: The NEC-in-Session calls on the federal government to restrain its officials especially the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions from colluding with retrogressive political elements seeking to abridge our rights as workers and trade unions to political participation. We demand the immediate withdrawal of that intrusive and misplaced unsolicited advice from the Registrar of Trade Unions to avert industrial crisis as the Congress and its affiliates will stop recognising and relating with him.

“Strengthening Solidarity: The NEC finally calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance. Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability,” the communique read in parts. (Daily Sun)

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