NLC President Ajaero Urges President Tinubu to Listen to Nigerians Amidst Growing Calls for Protest

 

Story by Iyiola Ayomide

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, has advised President Bola Tinubu to listen to Nigerians as demands for protest intensify due to economic hardship caused by his administration’s policies.

 

Ajaero emphasized that Nigerians have the right to protest and that the Presidency’s claim of political motivation should not dismiss the need for engagement. He stated:

It is condescending and dismissive to describe the daily brutish ordeal that Nigerians are going through as a sponsored political dissent. Even if it is so, it is still within the confines of citizens’ right to protest on political grounds.

 

“Just that the current unease in the country does not need political motivation to spark and splurge. All that the hurting citizens demand from their government is a listening ear and an empathic heart.

 

“Maybe, that is what the organizers of the protest are looking for given their continued notices on diffe guyrent social media platforms.”

Ajaero called on President Tinubu to engage with Nigerians, stressing that it would be wrong to tell citizens not to protest against the current economic hardship. He added:

 

“It is very difficult to tell a Nigerian who has lost his or her job due to the current economic downturn to maintain their cool. It is very tough to advise a nursing mother who is unsure where the next meal for her suckling child to be at ease.

 

“It is a herculean task to demand patience from a youth who has been out of school for the past six years without a job and is burdened with aged parents to cater for.

During these very difficult times, the right of Nigerians to complain must be fully respected. The times require to jaw jaw and not war war with Nigerians. The truth is that you cannot smack a child and at the same time ask the child not to cry.”