“Let The Poor Breathe”, NLC Says As Protest Spreads Nationwide
. Transporters Shun Protest In Lagos
. Protesters Pull Down National Assembly Gate
By Sulaimon Salau
“Let the poor breathe” is the theme of the protest, as the hundreds of members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions began protest in major cities across the country, demanding that the government address the harsh economy.
SlyeNews gathered that the protest has spread to Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Kano, among other major cities in the country.
The protester are carrying placards with inscriptions like: “let poor Nigerians breathe, end fuel price increase, stop Naira devaluation, fix local refineries” amongst other demands.
The protesters in Abuja pulled down the main gate to the National Assembly and make use of their premises to press home their demands from governments.
President of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Joe Ajaero, said there are some hindrances in the commencement of the protest in some states.
“Protests have taken off in all states bearing some hindrances in some places. We are aware of the Police efforts to stop the process in some areas.
“To be candid with you, nothing is stopping the protest. Based on responses from state governments, it is equally our determination whether the protest will be for today, tomorrow or next, not by using force to stop the people from expressing their views. We are here for the protest, to make a statement to Nigerians”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of Lagos State Parks and Garages, Musiliu Akinsanya, aka MC Oluomo, has said transport operators will not be part of the protest by the NLC.
MC Oluomo said transport operators wouldn’t join the protest because the Lagos State government has produced a conducive environment for them to operate.
He noted that the state government has provided some interventions for commercial transport operators.
