Give FG Chance To Resolve Economic Hardship, Shun Protest — DSS Enjoins NLC

The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the leadership of the organised Labour to cancel the planned protests that are scheduled for February 27th and 28th across Nigeria. 

The Service in a statement, signed by its spokesperson, Peter Afunnaya on Wednesday, advised the organised labour groups to give the federal government the chance to improve the current economic situation.

As the country is facing a surge in food insecurity and inflation, with decreasing purchasing power due to the constant devaluation of the Naira against the Dollar, the National Labor Congress (NLC) led by its president, Joe Ajaero, decided to revisit some of its unresolved demands.

Some of these demands include tax exemptions, allowances to public sector workers, reduction of the cost of governance, provision of Compressed Natural Gas, buses, and more.

Ajaero also demanded an annual review of the minimum wage to the tune of one million, against the five-year review window, in line with Sections 3(4) and 7 of the National Minimum Wage Act of 2019.

However, the DSS said that it is not ignorant of the nation’s plight and that it understands the legitimacy of the labour movement to protest. However, it urged the organised unions to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order.

The statement read partly: “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.

“It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a 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 are 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.”

The Service further implored parents and guardians to guide their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony.

The DSS urged all sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies to eschew violence and demonstrate leadership and statesmanship in severe 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.

“The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present-day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise. Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has disclosed that it was not aware of any intending protest, but would set all modalities in place to “ensure that hoodlums do not take advantage of any activities of the NLC to disrupt the peace in the FCT if the protest does occur.”