Despite a last-minute meeting with the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has pledged to continue with the intended nationwide demonstration on Tuesday (today).

 

The meeting between labour union and federal government representatives ended in an impasse on Monday night.

 

The meeting was attended by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN); Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha; Minister for Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Planning, Atiku Bagudu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Head of Service, Folasade Yemi Esan; and representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Speaking to journalists after the closed-door meeting, NLC president Joe Ajaero insisted that the protest would proceed as scheduled.

 

The rally goes on,” he said simply.

 

Reminded about the advisory issued by the Department of State Services on the protest, he stated, “It is part of their (DSS) constitutional responsibilities to make sure that the rally is peaceful while we are going to try from our own side to make sure it is peaceful.”

 

Joe Ajaero also told journalists that their list of demands would be submitted to the National Assembly today.

 

He said: “That is all. We have concluded on that. We are not doing rallies for the sake of moving around. We have demands which we must present. Maybe by tomorrow, when we present it at the National Assembly, a copy of it will be made available to journalists.”

 

Webteam@ipledege2nigeria  had reported that the NLC had earlier disclosed its resolve to go ahead with the planned protest

The union has also threatened to shut down services nationally if its members are attacked during a two-day protest that begins today.