Kazeem Owoseni
The Nigeria Labour Congress has revealed its plan to hold the 2023 National May Day celebration on the streets of Abuja.
Stating this in a statement issued on Saturday, the General Secretary of the congress, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, said, this will enable the congress to further deepen its reconnection with the people.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria the statement was titled, “National May Day celebration in Abuja: Change of Venue.”
Ugboaja said, “As you must have been aware of the last-minute questionable action of the Government at the center to deny us the use of the Eagle Square for this year’s May-Day celebrations three days before the event despite having granted us the permit months ago.
”Do remember that this is a venue we have been using in the past decades for our May Day celebrations.
“The sudden decision to withdraw the permit may be laden with mischief and a sign of what is to come shortly. It is a call to all of us to be prepared.
”As a result of this unfortunate development, we want to inform you that we have decided to shift the venue for the celebration to the Streets of Abuja.
“This is so that we can deepen our reconnection with the people who are our true partners in the struggle for a free society.”
He stated that the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress is the take-off point of the protest, which will start by 8:00 a:m on May 1st, noting that all affiliates are to assemble on the grounds of the Paschal Bafyau Labour House on Monday,” from where we shall proceed on a rally around Abuja.”
However, he guaranteed all workers of the NLC’s continued commitment to the traditions and values, of the association.
International workers day known as May Day, is a day, being set aside, to celebrate laborers or the working class around the world.
Meanwhile, the day is being promoted by the International Labour movement, to add more coloration to it.
Similarly, it has become an annual event in Nigeria, whereby the NLC gather at the Eaglesquare, to mark the day.
However, this year’s celebration of the event, takes an exception, as the federal government of Nigeria, had instructed the congress, not to use the venue for the 2023 celebration, after initial approval of the same venue, for the celebration.
