NLC Warns Tinubu’s Administration Against Slipping into Dictatorship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, cautioning that recent actions may be steering the country toward unintended dictatorship.

In a statement following an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, the NLC voiced concerns over what it described as government efforts to falsely accuse and frame innocent citizens on fabricated charges.

The communique, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, criticized the administration for criminalizing protests and targeting individuals with opposing ideologies, particularly Marxists and Socialists.

“The administration is unwittingly courting dictatorship,” the NEC stated, emphasizing that protests are a longstanding practice in Nigeria and should not be criminalized.

The NLC urged President Tinubu to convene an inclusive national dialogue with all stakeholders to address the pressing issues facing the nation, including hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies. The NEC stressed that such a dialogue is essential to tackling the root causes of current unrest.

Furthermore, the NLC called on the government to cease the blame game and engage in meaningful dialogue to find lasting solutions to Nigeria’s challenges. The union also demanded decisive action from President Tinubu to address systemic issues of waste, profligacy, and mismanagement that have exacerbated the suffering of Nigerians.

The NLC demanded an immediate apology from the federal government and the police for the “unwarranted invasion and desecration” of its headquarters. Additionally, the union called for a forensic security audit of its headquarters to ensure the safety of workers and directed a temporary suspension of its use to prevent potential disasters.

Condemning recent civil protests, the NLC expressed outrage over the killing of innocent protesters peacefully voicing their grievances against harsh government policies.

The union urged the government to declare a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests and called for accountability from the security agencies responsible, particularly the police.

The NLC also demanded the immediate release of all detainees, including trade unionists arrested in their homes or at leisure spots, reaffirming its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers. The union vowed to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.