End Blame Game, Halt Bad Policies – Labour, Obi, Lukman Tell President Tinubu

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Peter Obi, and Salihu Lukman have asked President Bola Tinubu’s administration to stop the blame game, reverse his policies that have caused hardship to Nigerians, and engage in meaningful dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

The NLC, in a communique issued at the end of its emergency National Executive Council meeting, condemned the invasion of its headquarters by security operatives and demanded safety and security guarantees for Nigerian workers and trade unions.

Peter Obi, the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, described the nationwide protests as a call on Nigeria’s leaders to reflect deeply on the growing poverty in the country and take steps to address it.

Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, said the recent nationwide protests against hunger and bad governance were sufficient grounds for the impeachment of President Tinubu and some state governors.

The NLC rejected the Police explanation for the invasion of its headquarters and demanded an immediate apology from the government. It also called for the immediate release of detainees and trade unionists arrested during the protests.

The NLC communique stated that the government’s actions began with the President’s May 29, 2023, statement declaring the removal of subsidy, followed by efforts to suppress NLC’s opposition through threats, divisive propaganda, and unfulfilled promises to alleviate the country’s hardships.

The communique further stated that the NEC-in-session demanded safety and security guarantees and called on the government to guarantee the safety and security of all Nigerian workers, trade unions, and the NLC and TUC to operate freely in the country without fear of harm or violence.

The NLC also rejected Police explanation for the invasion of its headquarters, describing it as an afterthought and an attempt to cover the hidden motives behind such action. It demanded a clear explanation from the government as quickly as possible.

On the end to violence and harassment of protesters, the NLC condemned the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully expressing their grievances against the harsh policies of the government. It demanded an immediate cessation of these attacks and called on the government to declare a National Day of Mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests.