The Department of State Services (DSS) has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its planned nationwide protest scheduled next week.
KanyiDaily recalls that the NLC had declared a two-day mass protest on February 27 and 28, 2024, to address the economic hardship affecting Nigerians.
In a statement on Wednesday, Peter Afunanya, the Director of Communications for DSS, acknowledged the NLC’s right to protest but urged them to abandon the planned demonstration in the interest of peace and public order.
Afunanya expressed concern that some elements might exploit the protest to incite crisis and widespread violence, exacerbating the socio-economic situation in the country.
He emphasized the DSS’s call for dialogue and negotiation, urging all parties to pursue peaceful means rather than engaging in activities that could escalate tensions.
The statement highlighted the efforts of various levels of government and stakeholders to address economic difficulties, urging citizens to give them the chance to handle the challenges.
“The attention of the DSS has been drawn to plans by sections of the organised labour to stage protests between Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 in parts of the country over sundry economic issues.
“The DSS appeals to labour to go after dialogue and negotiation rather than engaging in conducts that can heighten tensions.
“More so, the service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country.
“It is common knowledge that all levels of Government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt.
“So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peace time, would not be attained in war-time.
“The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, “The Casualties” is a resonating reminder to us on the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In time of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene is a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity.
“Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resort to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.”
The DSS director called on parents and guardians to guide their children and wards away from actions that could jeopardize public safety and harmony.
He also urged political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies to eschew violence and demonstrate leadership during challenging times.
“Making political capital out of the current situation or involving in divisive utterances at a time like this, will be of no benefit to any peace-loving Nigerian,” the statement reads.
“Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilise the peace of the nation.
“The DSS stands opposed to violence as a means of settling our present day challenges, be they economic, political or otherwise.
“Accordingly, the Service will work with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure that lasting peace is maintained in the country.”
KanyiDaily recalls that Youths in the capital of Oyo State, Ibadan, recently took to the streets to protest the skyrocketing price of food and the state of the economy.
