NLC Demands Immediate Prosecution Of Terror Sponsors

By Chinedu Echianu

The Nigeria Labour Congress has called for the immediate prosecution of alleged sponsors of terrorism, warning that Nigerians face not only physical but financial insecurity.

The NLC on December 17th, organised a nationwide protest to highlight the devastating impact of insecurity on lives, livelihoods, and public institutions, a crisis that has lasted more than a decade.

According to the NLC, at least 2,295 teachers have been killed by Boko Haram insurgents since 2009, while more than 19,000 were displaced across Borno, Yobe, Adamawa states between 2009 and 2015.

Ahead of the protest, NLC President Joe Ajaero have dismissed claims that the demonstration had been called off after a meeting with President Bola Tinubu, saying labour leaders never agreed to suspend the march.

Among the NLC’s demands is the creation of a Security Trust Fund at all levels of government to replace the current security vote system, which the congress says lacks transparency and accountability.

The labour centre is also calling for a special fund to rehabilitate and compensate citizens, including workers, affected by insecurity.

The NLC is further demanding the establishment of citizens’ security councils at all levels of government, involving political leaders, traditional rulers, trade unions, employers, faith-based organisations, women, and youth groups.

The protest though cut short after a brief march, as labour leaders met government representatives led by the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma.

Addressing hundreds of protesters at the NLC headquarters in Abuja, Head of International Relations Uche Ekwe said the discussions with the government were taking longer than expected but insisted that the protest had achieved its purpose.

“Our goal is to draw the attention of the country’s leadership to issues of insecurity and engage them at the negotiation table,” Ekwe said.

“We want all those funding insecurity arrested, and this protest has brought the issue to national and international attention.”

The Nigeria Labour Congress urged the government to act decisively, reminding authorities that the Constitution places the protection of lives, property, and citizens’ welfare squarely on the responsibility of government.