A Nigerian human rights group, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), has condemned the country’s economic hardships, wasteful spending by the government, and the assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero, in Imo State last week.
In a press briefing on Thursday, CHRICED Executive Director Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi said that Nigerians are reeling from the severe pains and anguish of the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s many harsh, unkind, and economically draining policies.
Zikirullahi’s speech which was read by the Programmes and Communications Manager Armsfree Ajanaku said that the government’s removal of petrol subsidy, its handling of the palliative program, and its lavish spending on itself while Nigerians suffer are all examples of the Tinubu administration’s disregard for the welfare of the people.
He also condemned the assault on Ajaero, saying that it is a clear sign that the government is cracking down on dissent.
“The assault on Comrade Ajaero is a direct attack on the right to freedom of expression and assembly,” Zikirullahi said. “It is also a warning to all Nigerians who dare to speak out against the government’s excesses.”
Zikirullahi called on the government to stop its wasteful spending, to address the economic hardships facing Nigerians, and to respect the rights of citizens.
“The government must realize that it cannot continue to govern in a manner that is insensitive to the plight of the people,” he said. “If it does not change course, it will face a reckoning from the people.”
Zikirullahi’s comments come as the NLC is blocking the road leading up to the only international airport in Abuja in protest against the government’s economic policies.
The NLC has said that it will continue the blockade until the government meets its demands, which include the reversal of the petrol subsidy removal and the payment of minimum wage arrears.
The government has said that it is willing to meet with the NLC to discuss its demands, but the union has said that it will not back down until its demands are met.
The blockade has caused chaos at the airport, as passengers have been stranded and flights have been cancelled.
The government has accused the NLC of blackmail and has threatened to take action against the union.
The NLC has said that it is prepared to face the government’s threats.
The standoff between the government and the NLC is a sign of the deep economic and political crisis in Nigeria.
The government’s policies have led to widespread poverty and hunger, and the NLC is the latest group to speak out against the government’s mismanagement.
The government’s response to the NLC’s protests will be a test of its commitment to democracy and the rule of law.
,%20has%20condemned%20the%20country's%20economic)
