NLC Warns Tinubu Administration Against Unintended Drift Towards Dictatorship

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to President Bola Tinubu’s administration, cautioning that its recent actions may be leading the country towards an unintended dictatorship.

In a statement released after an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Saturday, the NLC expressed concern over alleged government efforts to falsely accuse and frame innocent citizens on fabricated charges.

The communique, signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, criticized the government for what it described as the criminalization of protests and the clampdown on individuals with opposing ideologies, particularly Marxists and Socialists.

“The administration is unwittingly courting dictatorship,” the NEC warned.

“We must understand that this is not the first protest in Nigeria and would not be the last.

“NEC wonders why this administration is criminalising protest and have renewed clamp down on Marxists, Socialists and those who hold different shades of Leftist ideologies as if courting a neo liberal dictatorship,” it added.

The NLC also called on President Tinubu to convene an inclusive national dialogue involving all stakeholders to address the pressing issues facing Nigeria.

The NEC stressed that such a dialogue is essential to tackle the root causes of the current unrest, including hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity, and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.

“The NEC calls on the government to convene an inclusive stakeholders’ conclave to discuss the pressing issues confronting Nigeria and chart a path forward that addresses the root causes of the current unrest – hunger, poverty, inflation, insecurity and widespread dissatisfaction with government policies.

“The NEC calls on the government to stop the blame game and instead engage in meaningful dialogue with all stakeholders to find lasting solutions to the nation’s challenges,” the statement said.

Furthermore, the NLC called on President Tinubu to take decisive steps to address the systemic issues of waste, profligacy, and mismanagement that have worsened the suffering of Nigerians.

The labor union emphasized the need for the government to embrace truth, listen to reason, and pursue a comprehensive overhaul of its policies.

The NLC also demanded an immediate apology from the federal government and the police for what it described as the “unwarranted invasion and desecration” of its headquarters.

The union called for a forensic security audit of its headquarters to ensure the safety of workers and directed a temporary suspension of its use to prevent any potential disasters.

Condemning the recent civil protests, the NLC expressed outrage over the killing of innocent protesters who were peacefully voicing their grievances against harsh government policies.

The union urged the government to declare a national day of mourning for those who lost their lives and properties during the protests and called for accountability from the security agencies responsible for these tragic deaths, particularly the police.

Additionally, the NLC demanded the immediate release of all detainees, including trade unionists who were arrested in their homes or at leisure spots.

The union reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and vowed to take all necessary actions to ensure their safety and well-being.