NLC REJECTS DSS’ WARNING TO SHELVE PLANNED PROTEST

According to recent reports, there is a disagreement between the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over next week’s planned protest of the hardship caused by the withdrawal of petrol subsidy. The NLC last week declared a two-day protest for Tuesday and Wednesday to follow the end of its two-week ultimatum for the government to fully implement the 16-point agreement reached last October. But the DSS, in a statement by its Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr. Peter Afunanya, said: “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between 27th and 28th February 2024 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues. “While the service recognizes such action as the legitimate right of the labour movement, it, however, urges the body to shelve the plan in the interest of peace and public order. The DSS further calls on parties to pursue dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conduct that could heighten tensions. “This is more so that the Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. “The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.”