The first day of the planned two-day protest of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) recorded huge success, as Nigerians turned out in large crowds to air their displeasure over the lingering hardship.
Nigerians in various states had headed home after the protest to rest their bones and prepare for the second day of the protest.
But that second day, will have to come another day.
In a shocking twist of events, the NLC called off the nationwide protest.
The NLC also extended the ultimatum given to the federal government to fulfil the details of their agreements to March 13, 2024.
Key Objectives
The labour union said the key objectives of the 2-day protest had been achieved on the first day.
While the strike has been suspended, the NLC said nationwide action would continue on Wednesday.
According to the NLC, it would hold press conferences across all the states of the federation.
Furthermore, this will be held by the state Councils of the Congress and the National Headquarters.
This suspended protest was declared by the labour union over the rising prices and general economic hardship in Nigeria.
Also, it accused the government of failing to fulfil its side of the agreement reached with in October 2023.
Overwhelming Success
The decision to suspend the protest was made known in a statement by the union’s president, Joe Ajaero, and Acting General Secretary, Ismail Bello, on Tuesday.
The statement reads: “To suspend street action for the second day of the protest having achieved overwhelming success.
“Thus attained the key objectives of the 2-day protest on the first day.
“However, Nationwide action continues tomorrow with simultaneous Press Conferences across all the states of the federation.
“This will be done by the state Councils of the Congress including the National Headquarters.
The Ultimatum
“To reaffirm and extend the 7-days ultimatum by another 7 days which now expires on March 13, 2024.
“At this time, the Government is expected to implement all the earlier agreement of October 2, 2023 and other demands presented in our letter during today’s nationwide protest.
Also Read: PHOTOS: NLC Shuns FG, Kicks Off Nationwide ‘Hardship’ Protest
“To meet and decide on further lines of action if on the expiration of the 14 days Government refuses to comply with the demands as contained in the ultimatum.
“Once again, NEC recommits the NLC to continuing defending and promoting the interests and desires of Nigerian workers and the downtrodden masses”.
