By Femi Alabi
Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) has written to the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, asking that his office should ensure the safety of members of the Nigeria Labour Congress who are set for a nationwide protest on Tuesday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC has vowed to go ahead with its Tuesday and Wednesday February 27 and 28 protests over the cost of living in the country. Workers have said enough is enough over the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the Naira, among others.
He said in line Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act, the AGF should use his good office to direct the Inspector General of Police to provide security cover for protesters.
The letter reads in part, “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 Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) as the subsidy removal policy had brought untold hardship to Nigerians.
“The right to demonstrate and the right to protest on matters of public concern are rights which are in the public interest and that which individuals must possess, and which they should exercise without impediment as long as no wrongful act is done.
“where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway or such meetings in a place where the public has access to , the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting rally or procession will take place shall mobilize personnel to provide security to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or the procession.
“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem”.