… rallies calm in Benin
The nationwide protest called by Organised Labour kicked-off to a slow and peacefull start Wednesday morning, with more marches and speeches in Lagos and Abuja, while activity in most other parts of the country were reportedly low-keyed.
The NLC is asking for the scrapping of, “anti-poor policies of government” including the hike in the pump price of petroleum, school fees, and VAT among others.
The most dramatic activity recorded Wednesday morning, was the felling of the gates at the entrance of the National Assembly in Abuja, as rallies gained momentum.
When the protesters arrived at the National Assembly complex Wednesday morning, the gates were locked by security officials.
The protesters pulled down the gates and forced their way into the complex, chanting solidarity songs. There was no further incident recorded.
In Benin City, the Edo State capital the protests were peaceful, as the labour union affiliates from across Edo converged at the National Museum in Benin City.
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other unions including Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), among other trade unions were present at the meeting point at the Oba Ovonramwen square popularly called Ring Road.
Meanwhile, the Senate has set up a three-man committee led by Senator Ali Ndume, to meet with the leadership of Organised Labour.
The Senate also resolved as a matter of urgency meet with the NLC and TUC leadership to find an amicable resolution to the current impasse.
Ndume alongside two other lawmakers — Senator Ireti Kingibe and Senator Tony Nwonye — later met with the protesters at the National Assembly.
The Senators were seen engaging Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero; and his Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterpart, Festus Osifo.
