*The Federal Government insists the planned action of the Nigeria Labour Congress is based on self-interest, and it is capable of stoking anarchy in the country

*We’re prepared and ever ready to join in this great solidarity movement with the NLC, say Nigerian students

Alexander Davis | ConsumerConnect

The Federal Government has declared illegal the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in solidarity with the striking members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).

ConsumerConnect had reported that Comrade Ayuba Wabba, President of NLC, in a letter dated July 15, 2022, and addressed to chairpersons of the Labour Congress across the states, said the proposed protest was aimed at getting “our children back to school and support our unions in Nigeria’s public universities fighting for quality education.”

However, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Honourable Minister for Information and Culture, Wednesday, July 20, addressed the State House Correspondents on the burning issue after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT.

The Minister stated that the NLC was in no dispute with the Federal Government, and as such considered its planned street protest illegal.

He also noted: “The Congress’ planned action is based on self-interest and a planned action capable of stoking anarchy in the country.”

According to him, the NLC should insulate itself completely from politics.

The fight for quality education in Nigeria

Earlier, members of the Congress had designated the Labour House in the FCT and secretariats of the NLC as the takeoff points for the protest.

Ayuba had stated in the memo to Union branches: “We bring you fraternal greetings from the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“In line with the decisions of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Nigeria Labour Congress held on the 30th of June 2022, we have scheduled as follows the National Days of Protest to get our children back to school and support our unions in Nigeria’s public universities fighting for quality education.”

Incidentally, sequel to this directive, some students’ bodies have reportedly shown their backing for the planned protest by the Labour.

Mohammed Ibrahim, Deputy National President of the National Association of University Students (NAUS), in a statement dated July 17, also implored students across the states of the Federation and FCT to join in the march to end the ASUU’s five-month old strike.

The NLC further stressed: “The NLC’s announcement of her resolution to stage a nationwide protest is greatly welcomed in the students’ constituency. “For us, this is nothing short of a miracle; a heavenly intervention which would not have been at a better time than now.

“We are, therefore, prepared and ever ready to join in this great solidarity movement with the NLC.”

The students also said: “Sequel to the above, NAUS shall be part of the protest nationwide to demand the immediate resolution of issues between the Federal Government and ASUU so our students can go back to classes.”