By Charles Pemu 
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning against the escalating insecurity plaguing the nation, vowing to mobilize for nationwide protests and declare a National Day of Mourning as criminal activities continue unabated. Speaking at the opening of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Lagos, NLC President Joe Ajaero declared that Nigeria was “under siege,” asserting that the Congress would no longer remain a passive observer as terror is unleashed across the country.
Ajaero specifically lamented the recent spate of school kidnappings, highlighting the alarming detail of the withdrawal of security personnel immediately prior to the latest attack. He demanded a full-scale investigation into the matter to ascertain who ordered the withdrawal, suggesting potential compromise within the security apparatus.
“The NLC cannot stand idly by and allow criminals to take over our country, never again,” Ajaero stated, insisting that the identity of those who ordered the security withdrawal must be uncovered. He stressed that the lives of workers, students, and teachers are at grave risk, adding, “It is getting out of hand. We can no longer bear this.” The details regarding the planned national mourning and mass action will be announced by the Congress shortly.
In an unrelated but significant development during the meeting, the NLC President also announced the withdrawal of Labour’s representatives from the Labour Party, citing that the delegates were “not representing us well” and were instead pursuing “personal interests.”
Adding to the gravity of the discussions, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, addressed the NEC, cautioning that the country faces “serious trouble” due to the relentless wave of attacks and kidnappings. While urging swift action from President Bola Tinubu to defend citizens, Falana warned against calls for foreign military intervention, arguing that such a move would constitute a dangerous threat to Nigeria’s sovereignty.
He specifically condemned recent unacceptable remarks made by President Donald Trump, calling on the administration to act immediately. Falana concluded by appealing to labour unions, civil society organizations, and the general populace to stand ready to resist any further deterioration of the nation’s security architecture, emphasizing, “We want to let the world know that we are not a conquered people.”