The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has affirmed its commitment to move forward with planned rallies from February 27 to 28, expressing discontent over the escalating cost of living in the country.
In response to a letter from the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, threatening contempt proceedings, the NLC, through its lawyer Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, emphasized its determination to exercise its fundamental rights to freedom of assembly and expression.
The NLC’s letter highlighted that no court had barred its members from engaging in peaceful protests and criticized the federal government’s threat to initiate contempt proceedings. The labor union, represented by Falana, argued that the withdrawal of earlier contempt proceedings against both the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for a previous public protest indicated that there was no legal basis for the threats.
The letter also pointed out that the National Industrial Court had not restrained NLC members from exercising their rights to protest against the economic challenges faced by the masses. The NLC challenged the competence of a fresh suit filed by the federal government, describing it as an abuse of court process.
Referencing a landmark judgment in the case of Inspector-General of Police v All Nigeria Peoples Party, the NLC asserted the fundamental right of Nigerians to protest on matters of public interest without requiring a police permit. The letter urged the Attorney-General to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security for the rallies in accordance with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act.
The NLC remains resolute in its stance to address the economic difficulties facing Nigerians and pursue its planned rallies, citing the protection of democratic rights and the right to express grievances peacefully. The evolving situation highlights the ongoing tension between the labor union and the government over economic policies and citizens’ rights to dissent.
