The Nigeria Labour Congress has denied claims by the Department of State Security that labour unions are plotting protests.
According to the DSS, the NLC is in alliance with some governors, students, lecturers, and others to carry out rallies like the #EndSARS protests to destabilise parts of the country.
It charged the secret police to stop scare alarms and re-channel its energy and resources into bringing to justice the enemies of public order and stability such as importers of adulterated petrol, petroleum marketers, and filling station operators selling to black marketers.
The NLC President, Ayuba Wabba stated these in a statement in Abuja, on Monday.
Ayuba described the DSS allegation as unfortunate, saying it smacks of sheer mischief.
He argued that trade unions and national labour centres are independent organisations recognised by both national laws and international conventions with fundamental rights and liberties to associate, organise and undertake activities in the defence of workers’ rights and interests.
“By the provisions of our laws and in line with global industrial relations standards, no permission is required under the law for peaceful assembly of workers and citizens.
“In any case, as a responsible national labour centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress always informs the Department of State Services and indeed other security agencies of our activities especially when such are undertaken in the public space,” Wabba said.
