The Trade Union Congress (TUC) National President, Festus Osifo, has clarified that organized labour has no hand in the planned national protest.

Festus Osifo said the planners of the August national protest tagged “EndbadgovenanceinNingeria” did not contact organized labour.

Osifo said organized labour has its way of challenging government policies, and has advised President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to address the economic challenges affecting the county.

Comrade Festus Osifo made the clarification on Thursday while addressing the media on State of the Nation.

TUC president, however, added that Nigerians have right to protest as enshrined in the country’s constitution. He warned against using security agencies to intimidate Nigerians from exercising their constitutionally guaranteed rights.

According to Daily Independent, Osifo said, “Nobody has contacted the union to secure partnership in a protest, hence that was not supposed to mean that Nigerians cannot protest if they wish to do so. So it is the duty of the police and all security personnel to protect them.”

Recall that NLC President, Joe Ajaero, has, also in a statement, warned the federal government against using security agencies to intimidate Nigerians planning to protest on August 1.

Ajaero said Nigerians who are hurt by hardship have right to express themselves.

He said while jaw jaw is better than war war, governments must listen to the demands of the protesters.

“It is very difficult to tell a Nigerian who has lost his or her job due to the current economic downturn to maintain their cool. It is very tough to advise a nursing mother who is unsure where the next meal for her suckling child to be at ease.

“It is a herculean task to demand patience from a youth who has been out of school for the past six years without a job and is burdened with aged parents to cater for.

“During these very difficult times, the right of Nigerians to complain must be fully respected,” he said.

[NaijaNews]