Presidential Aide Slams NLC Protest as Unnecessary Amid Government’s Address of Hardship

Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Publicity, has criticized the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) for staging a nationwide protest, which he described as needless. The protests, which took place in several Nigerian cities on Tuesday, were organized by the NLC to highlight the economic hardship and spiraling inflation facing the country.

Despite last-minute efforts by the Federal Government to stall the protest, it went ahead as planned. President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, led the protests in Abuja, Lagos, Ibadan, Jos, and other major cities, joined by prominent figures including Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; human rights lawyer, Femi Falana; and the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, Omoyele Sowore.

In response to the protests, Ngelale stated that the federal government has already begun addressing the hardship. During an interview with TVC, he emphasized that any labor union speaking to the concerns of Nigerian families is free to do so. However, he suggested that the protest may have political motives, citing the withdrawal of support from the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).

Ngelale highlighted the lack of unanimity behind the NLC’s protest, noting that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is addressing legitimate concerns raised by the unions. He urged Nigerians to differentiate between genuine concerns and political agendas.

The two-day protest, serving as a warning to the federal government, is set to continue tomorrow. The protests aim to draw attention to the challenges faced by Nigerians and to call for action from the government.

Daily Trust