Ahead of the planned nationwide protest announced by the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC to protest against the escalating hardship and rising cost of living across the country, the Department of State Services has called on the union to shelve its planned protest slated for the 27th and 28th of February 2024.
It would be recalled that the organized labor, had on Monday,19 February started mobilizing its members for a a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28 over the economic crisis across the country.
It was learnt that the Federal Government’s inability to redeem its promises after the 14-day ultimatum by Labor, will be met with a two-day nationwide protest already billed for the 27th and 28th of February 2024.
Meanwhile, reacting to the planned protests in a statement on Wednesday, 21 February the DSS in a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya, called on the Organized Labour to shelve the plan protest in the interest of peace and public order.
The DSS urged the union to opt out for dialogue and negotiation as against engaging in a conduct that could heighten tensions.
The statement reads in parts; “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 secret police which further encouraged citizens to recognize that what remains unsolved in peacetime, would not be attained in war-time, added that the timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, ‘The Casualties’ is a resonating reminder of the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. It says, in times of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
While urging parents and guardians to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardizing public safety and harmony, the DSS also noted that all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non-governmental bodies are called upon to eschew violence; and demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.
The statement emphasized further, “Also, ongoing wars in the global scene are a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity. Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resorting to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.”
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 destabilize the peace of the nation.
The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present-day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country”.
