Pummeled on all sides by high cost of living, Nigerians have begun a countdown to February 27 and 28, which are but four and five days away.
The countdown follows an indication by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that it would call out its members for nationwide protest on the two days.
The NLC is piqued by the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises even after the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum by Labour.
The Eagle reports that already there are indications that the apex labour union may not be joking with the planed protest this time.
A source within the labour circles told our correspondent: “Even they too (NLC officials) are feeling what is happening. Everybody is feeling the challenge of this high cost of living, so it is beyond just talking”, she said, without disclosing more.
The latest development is indeed coming at a time of widespread suffering and murmuring characterised by soaring cost of goods and services..
The Eagle also reports that the Department of State Services, in a bid to stem the planned protests has been appealing to the NLC.
The DSS intervention was via a statement by its spokesman, Peter Afunanya,who instead urged for dialogue rather than strike, in the interest of peace.
“The Service is aware that some elements are planning to use the opportunity of the protest to foment crisis and by extension, widespread violence. The development, without doubt, will worsen the socio-economic situation across the country”.
“It is common knowledge that all levels of government are striving to ameliorate the prevailing economic condition and as such, should be given a benefit of the doubt. So far, appropriate authorities are working assiduously with a spectrum of stakeholders to fashion out modalities to address the current difficulties. They should, therefore, be given the chance to handle the challenges at hand.
“In this vein, citizens are encouraged to recognise that what remains unsolved in peacetime, would not be attained in war-time. The timeless piece of the esteemed Poet, JP Clark, ‘The Casualties’ is a resonating reminder to us of the possible dangers of escalated conflicts. In times of trouble, everyone will be a casualty.
“Also, ongoing wars in the global scene are a stark reminder of their catastrophic repercussions on the affected countries’ domestic environments thus, the critical need to protect and maintain our internal stability and unity. Those exploiting the fault lines in the country need to have a rethink as resorting to negativities will endanger our peaceful coexistence with dire consequences.”
It would amount to a mere statement of the obvious that the high cost of living is indeed biting harder than ever, with complaints from all quarters. If there was a time, the government for the government to rise up in precision, and tame the complaints, it is now.
