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NLC Makes U-turn On Proposed Strike, Reveals New Plan

Published

1 year ago

Jul 31, 2023.

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said that it will not be going on strike, but will instead hold peaceful rallies to protest the removal of subsidy on petrol and the government’s failure to roll out palliatives to cushion the harsh effect of the stoppage of subsidy payment.

The NLC had earlier proposed to carry out a strike on Wednesday, August 2, but the Solicitor-General of the Federation had stated that if the NLC went ahead with its plans, it would be disobeying a subsisting court order.

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However, in a letter to the Solicitor-General, the NLC pointed out that there is no order from any court restraining Nigerian workers from participating in peaceful rallies convened by the NLC.

The NLC also cited a court case in which it was ruled that the right to demonstrate and to protest on matters of public concern are rights that are in the public interest and that individuals must possess and exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.

The NLC said that it will be notifying the police of its intention to hold the rallies, and that it expects the police to provide security for the events.

The NLC’s decision to hold peaceful rallies instead of going on strike is a positive development. It is important for the NLC to exercise its right to protest peacefully, and it is also important for the government to respect the right of Nigerians to assemble and express their views.

The NLC’s decision to hold peaceful rallies is a sign that it is committed to working with the government to find solutions to the problems facing the country. The government should seize this opportunity to engage with the NLC and other stakeholders in order to find a way to address the rising cost of living and other challenges facing Nigerians.

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