DSS Raids NLC Headquarters Over #EndBadGovernance Protest

In a shocking turn of events, the Department of State Services (DSS) has raided the headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Abuja, alleging that members of the organized labor sponsored the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protest. The raid, which occurred on August 7, 2024, has been met with widespread condemnation from labor unions and activists alike.

According to reports, security operatives, believed to be from the DSS and the Nigeria Police Force, stormed the NLC headquarters at about 10:00 PM, breaking into some floors and ransacking books and files. The raid came just hours after the NLC’s National Executive Council (NEC) called for the reversal of what it termed “ill-conceived policies of the government” that have led to the current economic crisis.

In a communique signed by its President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, the General Secretary, the NEC urged the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake.

“The government must implement policies that prioritize the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources,” the communique stated.

The NEC further called for an independent investigation into the attacks on the protesters, affirming that those responsible for them must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families. The peaceful protesters being held must also be freed without delay.

“The NEC-in-session observes that the government can only stop a democratic protest by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue, and not by threatening the people who are already losing their lives on account of the unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters by the police,” the communique added.

The NLC reminded the government that it had previously warned it about the consequences of adopting the anti-poor advice of the World Bank and IMF when it announced the removal of petrol subsidy policy last May without putting adequate safeguards in place to mitigate the suffering that it would heap on the people.

The raid on the NLC headquarters has been condemned by many, with some calling it an attack on the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. The NLC has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the security operatives from its premises and an investigation into the incident.

The #EndBadGovernance protest, which began on August 1, has seen hundreds of Nigerians taking to the streets in some states and the Federal Capital Territory to protest against rising cost of living in the country. The protesters are calling for an end to bad governance, economic hardship, and the implementation of policies that prioritize the welfare of the people.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the protesters and the concerns raised by the NLC.