Thieves raid home of protester while busy participating in nationwide protest

A mild drama has crippled into the ongoing nationwide bad governance protest as thieves broke into a private residence of a protester in Kaduna state, carting away number of household items, before returning home for the day protest.

Penpushing reports that the victim, a female protester was sighted in a viral video, where she was crying profusely about the loss of personal effects and household items, while she was also been consoled by neighbours and passerby.

The lady who sat on a median and could not hold back tears narrated her ordeal, explaining that the thieves broke into her apartment after pulling down the doors, and thereafter ransacked the entire house to cart away various properties.

‘They just entered my house, even the door, they pull it down. They packed both television, fridge, dey comot compressor. Everything women dey use for house, they scattered everything, including shoes. They ransacked my bags, removed my bag that I use to pack my clothes, materials inside by box they carried it’, the crying lady said

Penpushing further reports that the nationwide protest started on August 1, 2024 involving thousands of Nigerians, majorly youths calling for the reversal of what they called ill-conceived policies that plunged the country into an economic crisis.

The record has it that since President Bola Tinubu took power in 2023, his administration has removed subsidy on petrol and electricity tariff, amid devaluation of the Nigerian currency, though the government said the policy reforms are necessary to rejig the Nigerian economy, while many Nigerians have been heavily affected by the ripple effects of the policies.

Penpushing also reports that Tinubu addressed Nigerians about the protest last Sunday but did not make any concessions, while the protests in some states mainly in northern Nigeria turned violent, leading state governments to declare curfews.

The record equally has it that in other states like Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where it was peaceful, the police allegedly attacked protesters with tear gas and other ammunition, injuring many, and in response Amnesty International reported that at least 22 people have been killed since the protests started, most by police officers, but the police dispute the claim.

Penpushing reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in a communique issued at the end of its emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Wednesday declared that the government cannot hope to stop a democratic protest by threatening the people who are already losing their lives to the unrepentant massacre of unarmed protesters by the police but by concrete actions and reasonable dialogue.

The communique jointly signed by the congress President, Comrade Joe Ajaero and General Secretary Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja condemned the continuous trivialisation of treasonable felony by the government operatives, emphasising that the right to protest is a fundamental democratic right, and its suppression through violence is unacceptable.

‘The attempt to criminalise protest is completely deplorable especially in a democracy. The hiring and use of sponsored thugs and divisive propaganda in an effort to scuttle the protests is most unfortunate’, the union stated.

‘The NEC in session also frowns strongly at the unwarranted use of subterfuge on the congress by the government through the Federal Ministry of Labour as it concerns our rights to political participation’, the statement reads.

‘It noted the unprofessional and unethical conduct of the minister of labour through the registrar of trade unions in wilfully misdirecting a politically motivated letter to NLC. It is tendentious, mischievous and provocative’, the communique added.

Penpushing further reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) pointed out that the government must implement policies that prioritise the welfare of the people, create jobs, and ensure fair distribution of resources.

The National Executive Council in session mandated the national leadership to decide on the day Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will set aside as a National Day of Mourning in honour of those who were maimed and lost their lives in the ongoing nationwide protests.

Penpushing also reports that the workers leadership in the communique called for an independent investigation into the killings and maiming of protesters, stressing that those responsible must be brought to book

‘Those responsible for these heinous acts must be held accountable, and justice must be served to the victims and their families. All the peaceful protesters held illegally and unconstitutionally in the government’s gulag must be freed without delay’.

‘The NEC-in-session urges the federal government to engage in meaningful dialogue with representatives of the protesters, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to resolve all the issues at stake to end the national carnage. This is to avoid the NLC being compelled to direct its members to stay home for the safety of their lives.”

Penpushing reports that the communique explained that the government must implement immediate relief measures to alleviate the suffering of workers and the general populace, adding that this includes the provision of direct food aid, subsidies on essential commodities, and other social safety nets in a way that would reach the people and not be hijacked by politicians.

The union called on the Nigerian government to restrain its officials, especially the Minister of Labour and the Registrar of Trade Unions, from colluding with retrogressive political elements seeking to abridge its rights as workers and trade unions to political participation.

“We demand the immediate withdrawal of that intrusive and misplaced unsolicited advice from the registrar of trade unions to avert industrial crisis as the congress and its affiliates will stop recognising and relating with him’.

“The NEC finally calls on all Nigerian workers to remain united and resolute in their demands for better governance. Solidarity is our strength, and together, we can amplify the voices of the people and demand justice and accountability,” it said.

Penpushing further reports that the National Executive Council (NEC) in the communique directed all workers across the country to continue to keep themselves safe amid the protests, adding that it remains committed to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population. .

‘Continue to take measures to protect themselves as the masses try to make their voices heard. We must maintain our commitment to non-violence and ensure that our actions are lawful and disciplined as the people protest. We will not relent in our efforts to ensure that justice, equity, and good governance prevail in our nation.”

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