A lawyer and social commentator, Justice Osai Ahiakwo, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s recent chastisement of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, over their nationwide protest over the high cost of living in the country.
In a statement issued in Calabar, the lawyer and activist said there was no moral or legal justification whatsoever for the President to have disparaged the organised Labour for calling on the government to be responsive to citizens’ plight.
The lawyer also frowned at Tinubu’s trip to Qatar with large number of aides, saying the President was unmindful of the hardship the citizens are facing.
“If truly the current government has the interest of the people and feels the excruciating pains people are going through, the President ought not to travel to Qatar with such a large number of delegations using public funds amid such economic challenges.”
Tackling the President for chastising NLC, Ahiakwo said it was the same means that the President used against former President Goodluck Jonathan which launched him into national political relevance.
Tinubu had slammed the NLC for embarking on strike and protests months into his administration, and challenged the union to seek election in 2027.
Ahiakwo said, “It is mind-blowing to get such a response, which is not presidential. It is not enough to excuse the government from the current hyperinflation impacting negatively on the everyday living of Nigerians.
“Every citizen or group of organizations legally recognised as pressure groups like the Nigeria Labour Congress has the right to peaceful protest, assembly and to express views of public interest.
“We expect the President to concentrate on tackling the underlying issues causing hardship and seeking sustainable solutions through well-thought-out economic policies, dialogue, constructive engagement, and collaborative efforts between all stakeholders. All are aimed at finding solutions that will benefit all Nigerians.”
The lawyer said the citizens cannot be cowed to believing that the issues of hunger and starvation are politically motivated, stressing that the lives of Nigerians are not to be joked with.
He said pressure groups and opposition parties are in order to checkmate the ruling party, adding that they are to advance democratic principles and values in holding the government accountable.
