Leaders of organised labour have raised strong concerns over the worsening insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria, calling on government at all levels to urgently fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives and property.
Victoria Omini.
Speaking at a peaceful labour rally, the Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Comrade Greg Olayi, said Nigerians can no longer live or work in safety. He noted that farmers are attacked on their farms, schoolchildren are kidnapped from learning centres, and travellers face grave dangers on highways across the country. According to him, citizens now live in fear, unable to sleep with their eyes closed or carry out legitimate activities without threat to their lives.
Comrade Olayi stressed that Nigerians voted leaders into office to guarantee security and wellbeing, but the reality on ground reflects a failure of that mandate. He described the situation as unacceptable, adding that workers and citizens are exposed to danger daily, while families are plunged into anguish through kidnappings and ransom demands. He emphasized that the rally was not only about workers but about the safety and survival of all Nigerians.
Also addressing the gathering, the Joint Negotiating Council Chairman, Comrade Raymond Afu, said labour was compelled to speak out due to the increasing suffering of Nigerians caused by insecurity and financial hardship. He described the rally as a call to conscience for government from the sub national to the national level, urging them to take decisive action to restore peace and stability.
Comrade Afu explained that the essence of governance is the protection of life and property, noting that Nigerian workers and citizens deserve a country where they can live without fear. He reiterated that the rally was peaceful and aimed at demonstrating labour’s concern for the welfare of the people, not to cause violence or destruction.
Both leaders called on government to urgently address insecurity and improve the living conditions of Nigerians, insisting that the time to act is now to prevent further loss of lives and restore public confidence in the nation’s leadership.
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