The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a “stern and final warning” to political actors and security agencies ahead of today’s nationwide protest against the country’s worsening security crisis.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the labour centre claimed to have “credible and disturbing intelligence” that armed thugs have been hired to cause mayhem during the processions to provide a pretext for a violent crackdown.
The NLC emphasized that the December 17 action is a “collective act of grief” for the thousands of Nigerians – including teachers, farmers, and artisans – lost to banditry and kidnapping.
“Our action tomorrow (today) is therefore not just a mere procession, it is a collective act of grief, a roar of despair from the oppressed, and a democratic demand for the fundamental right to life and security,” the statement said.
“We have lost count of the numbers of our members; teachers, farmers, miners and other artisans that have died to this overwhelming insecurity.”
However, it warned that the peaceful nature of the event depends on the conduct of the state.
“Should a single worker, comrade, or citizen be harmed by these thugs or through escalated repression tomorrow, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not hesitate to declare an immediate, comprehensive, and indefinite nationwide strike,” the statement read.
According to the NLC, the strike would involve a total shutdown of production, services, and all sectors of the national economy.
“The message must be clear and without equivocation: any attack on our protest will be an attack on the very engine of Nigeria,” it warned. “The consequence will be escalation and a total shutdown.”
The Congress called on the Nigeria Police Force to fulfill its constitutional mandate to protect citizens’ right to assemble, noting that authorities have been formally notified of the protest’s locations and dynamics.
“The Police having been informed of our protests and its dynamics must act to protect the democratic rights of citizens to freely assemble and express themselves. The rights of citizens must be respected and guaranteed,” the Congress said.
Acting General Secretary Benson Upah urged protesters to remain disciplined, warning against provocation.
“Do not be cowed. Do not be provoked. Our protest must remain peaceful, disciplined and massive. Solidarity is our shield,” Upah said.