Wednesday, February 21, 2024 – The Department of State Services (DSS) has asked the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to shun the planned nationwide protests over hardship and astronomical rising cost of living in Nigeria scheduled to hold on February 27 and 28.
The secret police in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Director of Public Relations & Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, said that while it recognised protest as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it however urged the organised labour to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.
“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue
dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten
tensions.
“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,” Afunanya
stated.
Afunanya further stated that “It is common
knowledge that all levels of government are striving to ameliorate the
prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given the 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.
“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to
recognise that what remains unsolved in peacetime, would not be attained in
war-time.
“The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP
Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us of the possible dangers
of escalated conflicts. In times of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is 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 resort to negativities will endanger our
peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.
“Similarly, parents and guardians are
implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical
acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony.
“Additionally, all sectors, including
political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions,
civil society and non-governmental bodies are called upon to eschew violence;
demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in these challenging times.
“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 destabilise
the peace of the nation.
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