Femi Falana (SAN), the counsel for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has countered the Federal Government’s threat of contempt against the NLC for organising a nationwide protest on February 27 and 28, 2024.
News About Nigeria reported that the protest is aimed at addressing the rising cost of living in Nigeria.
In a letter dated February 24, 2024, addressed to the Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Falana argued that the proposed public protest by the NLC does not amount to contempt.
He said that the government has been inconsistent in its stance, noting that the contempt proceedings against the NLC and TUC were withdrawn for their protest on August 2, 2023.
Falana mentioned that the court did not bar the NLC from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
“It would be recalled that following the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on May 29, 2023, the Federal Government commenced negotiations with the NLC and the TUC as the subsidy removal policy had brought untold hardship to Nigerians,” the letter stated.
The NLC, in response to the economic challenges in the country, had scheduled a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28, 2024, after the 14-day ultimatum issued to the federal government elapsed.
Falana advised the NLC to proceed with the peaceful protest, urging the Attorney General to ensure that the Inspector-General of Police provides adequate security for the protesters.
He stated that the NLC and TUC had adhered to court orders and filed applications challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
The NLC’s planned protest is to address the economic difficulties faced by Nigerians, particularly in the wake of the removal of fuel subsidy.
