Niger state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), last Wednesday, joined the nationwide protest to register the worries of the Nigerian workforce against the deteriorating insecurity.
Niger state NLC chairman, Comrade Abdul Kareem Edris Lafene, who led peaceful protest against the failure of government to secure lives and properties of citizens in Minna, the state capital, condemn the persistent security situation bedeviling the country and called for immediate action.
At the Niger State House of Assembly (NSHA) complex, where the protesting workers rounded up, the NLC chairman, Comrade Abdul Kareem delivered a letter from the labour unions to the Speaker, outlining labour union’s key demands for both states and federal government.
The letter to the Speaker urged the three tiers of government to as a matter of urgency step up action to identify and prosecute those found to have a hand in Nigeria’s security challenges.
Comrade Abdul Kareem emphasized the imperatives for political leaders to live up to their constitutional responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens.
The NLC chairman who also made a case for comprehensive political and socio-economic reforms that will address the immediate and remote causes of insecurity, stated the urgent need for government action to protect the life and wellbeing of ordinary Nigerians regardless of their location in the country.
The nationwide protest entails delivery of the NLC’s letters of demand to Niger State House of Assembly, for onward delivery to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who is expected to take action to restore citizens’ dignity.
The Labour leaders also pleaded that Governor Bago should do everything possible to secure the release of the remaining students from St. Mary’s Private Secondary School Papiri, Agwara local government area.
Responding, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abdullalik Sarkin-Daji, said the legislature as the voice of Nigerlites will do its own part in ensuring that the lives and properties of every citizen is secured.
The Speaker who assured that the contents of the letter would be given due attention said, “We have accepted the letter in good faith and will act swiftly, without delay.”
He affirmed that the NLC demands would not only be discussed by the assembly but also forwarded to the Governor and as well drawing the attention of other relevant agencies for immediate action.
The protest letter, according to the Speaker would be read at the upcoming plenary session, aligning with the position of the NLC on the seeming endless security challenges bedeviling the country, Niger state in particular. NNL.
