The Department of State Services (DSS) in Nigeria has called on the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their planned nationwide protests scheduled for February 27 and 28.
The protests are intended to address the challenges of hardship and the rising cost of living in the country.
While acknowledging the legitimate right of the labour movement to protest, the DSS urged them to prioritiseprioritise dialogue and negotiation over demonstrations to avoid potential tensions and violence.
The statement expressed concern that some elements might exploit the protests to foment crisis and escalate violence, worsening the socio-economic situation in the country.
The DSS emphasisedemphasised the ongoing efforts by various levels of government to address economic challenges and urged citizens to allow authorities to handle the current difficulties.
The security agency also called on political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and citizens to eschew violence and promote peace in 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.
“Citizens are advised to be vigilant and not allow fifth columnists and hostile forces or agents to use them to destabilisedestabilise 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,” DSS Director of Public Relations & Strategic Communications, Peter Afunanya, said in the statement.
Some us of doubt that there were elements who were to exploit the protests to foment crisis and escalate violence. But now if the Union went ahead with the planned protest, the government may sponsor some political thugs to cause chaos and blame or blackmail the Union. This is directly saying, we would hold responsible whatever happened either cause by you or any other group.