The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has described as “disrespectful” a statement by the State Security Service (SSS) warning striking universities staff, labour unions, and disgruntled individuals against protests.

NLC president Ayuba Wabba in a statement on Monday night in Abuja said the statement was disgraceful to the Nigerian constitution.

“It will be greatly disrespectful to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our democratic order to issue statements that appear to scare citizens from their rights to peacefully engage their government,” Mr Wabba said. “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.”

The SSS had alleged that the groups also planned to unleash violence on the streets and destabilise the country.

The secret police, in the statement, included labour unions among the list of clandestine groups allegedly organising to subvert public order.

Mr Wabba described the SSS’ statement as unfortunate.

“It is, therefore, surprising that the DSS would suddenly decide to lump trade unions among a lot of organisations with subversive intentions,” he explained. “Trade unions and national labour centres such as the Nigeria Labour Congress are independent organisations that are recognised by both our national laws and international conventions with fundamental rights and liberties to associate, organise and undertake activities in the defence of workers’ rights and interests.”

(NAN)