The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command of the Nigeria Police on Thursday thwarted a planned protest in Abuja by the Joint Action Committee (JAC), comprising the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU).
Police moved in when the JAC leaders began addressing their members to kickstart the protest march to the Ministries of Education, Labour, and Employment, where they intended to deliver letters to the respective ministers.
Mr. Benneth Igwe, FCT Commissioner of Police, suddenly arrived at Unity Fountain and sternly warned that no protest would be allowed to take place.
The police deployed an armoured vehicle and a Hilux van to block the entrance and exit gates, effectively preventing the protest from proceeding.
Despite the union leaders’ earnest appeals, the police remained resolute and refused to allow union members to continue with the protest rally.
Some of the non-teaching staff members wanted to rebel against the police directive, but their leaders calmed them down by telling them not to do anything that could incite violence.
The staff expressed outrage and disbelief that the police would attempt to suppress a peaceful protest in a democratic society.
Despite the police blockade, the JAC leadership chose to use their vehicles to deliver the letters to the relevant ministries.
They then met with the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, to make their voices heard.
The unions issued an ultimatum, warning that if the outstanding four-month salaries are not paid by next week, they will be forced to take drastic action and embark on a comprehensive strike, shutting down universities and inter-university centres.
The leaders who addressed the demonstrators included SSANU President, Comrade Mohammed Ibrahim, NASU President, Comrade Hassan Makolo, and NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi.
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