Youths Oppose NLC, TUC Protest

Many youths yesterday took to the streets in Abuja against the nationwide protests by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) scheduled for Monday and Tuesday.

The Youths under the auspices of Nigeria Civil Society Forum (NCSF) who marched from the Unity Fountain to the federal secretariat and National Assembly gate vowed to resist any attempt by organised labour to plunge the country into anarchy.

Addressing journalists during the march, the NCSF convener, Terrence Kuanum, said the planned nationwide protest by NLC and TUC was an act of sabotage and urged Nigerians to ignore the unions as they are not fighting for the interest of the general public.

Kuanum said: “What is happening is sabotage and we already anticipated this because few Nigerians were benefiting immensely from this subsidy regime and insecurity that was in this country.

“I am hungry, you are hungry but it is not by sabotaging the system or antagonising the system that we can resolve this issue. 

We can only resolve this issue as patriotic Nigerians that are concerned that we need to resolve this problem and the generation next to us doesn’t face it.

“We are giving them 24 hours to rescind the decision of the protest and go back to the table that we have agreed that they should be on it. If they come out we are calling on Nigerians not to respect any decision that will come from NLC and TUC because we are going to mobilise the masses to stay back and work for this country.”

Co-convener, Sunday Attah, said calling for protest against a government that is just eight months in office was uncalled for and demanded more time for the current administration.