Shelve Your nationwide protest, DSS tells NLC
…says some elements planning violence
..No Going Back On Nationwide Protest, Labour Replies DSS
The Department of State Services (DSS) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shun its planned nationwide protest.
On Friday, the NLC declared a two-day nationwide mass protest for February 27 and 28, 2024, over the economic hardship assailing Nigerians.
In a statement on Wednesday, Peter Afunanya, DSS director of communications, said although the service recognises the NLC’s right to protest, the congress should shelve the planned demonstration in the interest of peace and public order.
Afunanya said the DSS is aware that some elements are planning to use the protest to “foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence”.
He added that this would worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
“The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that could heighten tensions,” the statement reads.
“It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt.
“So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peace time, would not be attained in war-time.
“The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us on the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In time of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity.
“Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resort to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.”
The director urged parents and guardians to guide their children and wards from acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony.
He also called on political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society and non governmental bodies, to eschew violence and demonstrate leadership in these challenging times.
“Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian,” the statement reads.
“Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.
“The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise.
“Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country.”
No Going back ,- NLC
The leadership of the organised labour on Wednesday took a swipe at the Department of State Services (DSS) over its warning that the movement should shelve its proposed protest billed to hold February 27 and 28.
But reacting to the DSS’ warning, the president of NLC, Joe Ajaero, said the secret police should not blackmail the organised labour and arrest those that want to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence as claimed.
Ajaero said history would not forgive the labour movement and its leadership if it sits idly and allows the current hardship to continue festering due to non-chalant attitude of the Nigerian government and its officials.
The labour leader, who described the forthcoming action as “peaceful protest against unpardonable cost of living”, added that the Congress would not fold its arm while Nigerians continue to live in penury.
“We are concerned by the unsolicited advice of the Department of State Security to shelve our planned protest against the unprecedented high cost of living in spite of the indescribable suffering in the land, spiralling inflation, deepening poverty and the Naira at an exchange rate of N1,900 to the US Dollar.
“According to the Service, the planned protest should be shelved “in the interest of peace and public order”, pre-supposing that the action is intended to be violent and disruptive even when we have a history of peaceful protests.
“More worrying is the new role the Service has assigned to itself, the chief spokes person of the government.
“According to the Service, “It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt, So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties”.
“We are equally worried that although the “Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence”, and yet have not executed the arrest of these elements.
“We are equally intrigued by the innuendos of the Service, their philosophy of “peace” and wild allegations and we want to reassure them that no one loves this country more than us and on our honour, we would never do anything that will compromise its sovereignty or security.
“Having said this, we would not have ourselves blackmailed or lied against by the Service. Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living of which the unserviced personnel of the Service are also victims. We cannot fold our hands and pretend all is well. That will be a grievous conspiracy that history will not forgive.”
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