NAIJA NEWS
Joe Ajaero said Nigerians have right to protest due to economic hardship across the country caused by his administration’s policies.
The NLC president said the accusation from the presidency that the protest is being organized on political grounds should not be reason to ignore the urgent need to listen and engage with Nigerians.
In a statement on Monday, Ajaero said NLC did not protest to avoid worsening the country’s situation but would not watch and see the rights of Nigerians to peaceful protest undermined.
“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 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 of different social media platforms,” Ajaero said.
He called on President Tinubu to discuss with Nigerians. He said it would be wrong to tell the citizens not to protest against the current economic hardship.
“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.
