. As NLC suspends nationwide protest, extends deadline to March 13
By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Police in Lagos yesterday boasted of providing water and biscuits for protesters to prevent anyone from collapsing on the way.
The Police Commissioner, Lagos State Command, Adegoke Fayoade said Fayoade disclosed this in Lagos on the sidelines of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) nationwide hunger protest on Tuesday.
He said the journey was a long distance for protesters trekking, coupled with the hot weather, hence the need for at least water and biscuits to give protesters strength for a successful protest.
“I provided water and biscuits because I don’t want anyone to collapse on the way. We have to use water to strengthen everybody. That is the least we could do,” he said.
The Police chief added: “The protest went on as agreed with the NLC leadership. We promised them protection and we provided such from the beginning to the end. The same protection will be provided on Wednesday, and I will be part of the operation.”
This comes even as the NLC already suspended the second-day nationwide street protests over hunger and economic hardship.
This was contained in a communique jointly signed by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and the Acting General Secretary of the Congress, Ismail Bello, at the end of its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
He said the decision followed its review of the effectiveness of the execution of day one of the nationwide protest.
However, nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous press conferences across all the states of the federation by the state councils of the congress, including the national headquarters.
The communique reads in part: “NEC-in-session resolved to suspend street action for the second day of the protest, having achieved overwhelming success and thus attained the key objectives of the two-day protest on the first day.
“However, nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous press conferences across all the states of the federation by the state councils of the congress, including the national headquarters.”
Also, the NEC extended the seven-day ultimatum given to the government by another seven days, which expires on March 13.
It is expected that the government will implement all the earlier agreements of October 2, 2023, and other demands presented in their letter at the nationwide protest.
Upon the expiration of the 14-day deadline, the NLC would meet and decide on further lines of action if the government refused to comply with the demands.
NEC also commended Nigerians, its affiliates, state councils, workers, and civil society allies for peacefully demonstrating their outrage on the hardship imposed by the government and its twin altars, the IMF and the World Bank.
NEC also deeply appreciated Nigerian workers and masses for sending a strong message to the powers that be on their united resolve to demand accountability from those who occupy positions of leadership in our nation.
The NLC reiterated its commitment to continue to defend and promote the interest of Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses.
