Abduljelil Issa‘We will not allow kidnappers and bandits overrun Nigeria’: NLC threatens nationwide protests over insecurity
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to launch nationwide protests in response to the unrelenting insecurity across the country.
Speaking at the opening session of its National Executive Council, NEC, meeting in Lagos, NLC President, Joe Ajaero, cautioned that the union would no longer remain passive while criminal gangs continue to inflict violence nationwide.
The NLC said it may declare a national day of mourning and mobilise workers for protests over the escalating security breakdown.
Ajaero stated that Nigeria was “under siege,” condemning the recent school kidnapping and the withdrawal of security personnel before the incident. He called for a thorough investigation to determine whether there was any internal compromise in the security structure.
“The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country, never again. We want to know who ordered the withdrawal of security operatives from that school. We will not allow kidnappers and bandits to overrun our nation,” he said.
The NLC President noted that the Congress would soon release details of the planned mourning and protests, emphasising that the safety of teachers, students and workers was at risk. “It is getting out of hand. We can no longer bear this,” he added.
He further announced the withdrawal of Labour’s representatives from the Labour Party, stating, “They are not representing us well. They are there for personal interests.”
Also speaking at the event, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana warned that the nation was in “serious trouble” due to rising kidnappings and attacks. He dismissed suggestions for foreign military intervention, insisting that such proposals endanger Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Falana criticized US President Donald Trump’s recent comment, calling it unacceptable.
He also urged President Bola Tinubu to “act swiftly to defend Nigerians,” adding, “We want to let the world know that we are not a conquered people.”
The human rights lawyer encouraged labour unions, civil society organizations and citizens to remain ready to challenge any further decline in the nation’s security situation.
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