The Labour-Civil Society Front Joins Nationwide Protest Against Dehumanizing Policies
A coalition of civil society leaders and groups, known as The Labour-Civil Society Front, has thrown its weight behind the Nigerian Labour Congress’s (NLC) mass protest scheduled for today. The coalition emphasizes that the primary objective of the demonstration is to urge the government to address issues that directly impact the well-being of the people, particularly those affected by pro-poor policies.
The endorsement by the coalition, which supports the nationwide protest addressing prevalent hardships, comes in response to what they describe as dehumanizing and disempowering state policies. In a joint press statement signed by Comrade (Amb) Nkoyo Toyo, the national spokesperson of Labour-Civil Society Front, Mallam Hamisu San Turaki of United Action Front of Civil Society, and Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr., convener of Country First Movement, the leaders highlighted the urgent need for the government’s attention.
Encouraging their members and allies across Nigeria to actively participate in the peaceful national protest, the leaders aim to draw attention to the “unmitigated sufferings and impoverishment of Nigerians” caused by what they perceive as mindless economic policies at both national and sub-national levels.
The statement clarifies that their decision to align with the organized labor in this mass action is devoid of political, ethnic, or religious affiliations. It underscores the universal impact of economic challenges, hunger, declining health, and orchestrated deaths that have affected Nigerians irrespective of political, ethnic, or religious backgrounds.
Enumerating their demands, the leaders called attention to issues such as insecurity, poverty, kidnappings, devaluation of the Naira, youth unemployment, high education costs, and the escalating cost of healthcare services and drugs.
Addressing President Bola Tinubu, the leaders urged immediate positive actions that go beyond temporary palliatives, emphasizing the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest as enshrined in the constitution.
The coalition also called on the Inspector General of Police to provide security for the peaceful protest, citing the constitutional provision for such protection. They expressed confidence that credible information from the protest would contribute to good governance.
In conclusion, the leaders dismissed the emergence of some groups masquerading as civil society coalitions for pecuniary gains, asserting that the mainstream of the Nigerian civil society remains committed to addressing the grievances of the people and fostering a national conversation for improved welfare and well-being.
