Don’t protest if you want peace- DSS tells NLC

Oluwasegun SanusiFebruary 21, 20241 Mins read273

The Department of State Services (DSS) has threatened the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider its plans to stage protests across various parts of the country on February 27th and 28th, 2024.

In a statement on its official X handle, the DSS called on the NLC to pursue a dialogue-based approach to addressing its concerns in the interest of peace.

The protests are intended to address several economic concerns by the Labour Union; however, while acknowledging the legitimate right of the labour movement to engage in such actions, the DSS advised that the NLC should give the government “the chance to handle the challenges at hand.”

The statement stressed that the protests could potentially escalate tensions, particularly in light of reported intentions by certain elements to exploit the protests to incite crisis and violence.

The agency urged citizens to take cognisant of the adage that peace is essential for resolving conflicts, cautioning against the dire consequences of escalating tensions as depicted in JP Clark’s timeless piece, “The Casualties.”

Moreover, the DSS underscored the importance of maintaining internal stability and unity, especially in light of global conflicts’ catastrophic repercussions.

The agency called upon various sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies, to refrain from violence and demonstrate leadership during these challenging times.

“Similarly, parents and guardians are implored to exert authority in guiding their children and wards from inimical acts capable of jeopardising public safety and harmony, “ the statement noted.

DSS emphasised the agency’s staunch opposition to violence to address present-day challenges, pledging to collaborate with sister security and law enforcement agencies to ensure lasting peace in the country.