Just in: Protesters pull down gate, force way into NASS complex

The Organised Labour who were protesting against the “anti-people” policies forced their way into the premises of the Assembly complex shortly after breaking down the first gate on Wednesday.

The protesters subsequently moved to the second gate of the assembly complex.

The Organised Labour including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and their affiliate unions, on Wednesday morning, kicked off a protest in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital and other states of the Federation including Lagos, Abia, Plateau, Kaduna, Kano, Rivers, Zamfara, Katsina, Cross River, Ebonyi, Enugu, Kwara, Ogun, Imo, Ondo, and Edo.

The protesters had earlier gathered at the Unity Fountain from where they marched to the NASS complex.

Some officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) from the FCT are also at the Unity Fountain even as there is a sizeable number of security presence here comprising officers of the Nigeria Police Force and the operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

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NLC President, Joe Ajaero, told Channels Television at the venue that there is “nothing stopping the protest, not even an overture from the government”.

He said that the Organised Labour won’t shelve the protest until there is a response from the government.

Ajaero said the response from the states will determine “whether the protest will be from today, or tomorrow or next or till thy kingdom come, it is not by using force”.

“We are here for the protest and to make a statement that since we started negotiation, that there is nothing we have in our hands.”

Last week, the NLC had issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and demanded “the immediate reversal of all anti-poor policies of the federal government including the recent hike in PMS (Premium Motor Spirit) price, increase in public school fees, the release of the eight months withheld salary of university lecturers and workers”.