The State Security Service (SSS) has called on organized labour to prioritize dialogue and negotiation instead of actions that could escalate tensions. The SSS made this plea in response to the organized labour’s decision to stage nationwide protests on February 27 and 28 due to economic challenges in the country.
Dr. Peter Afunanya, the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications of the SSS, emphasized the legitimacy of peaceful protests but urged the organized labour to reconsider their plans for the sake of peace and public order.
Afunanya expressed concern that the protests could be exploited by certain elements to incite crisis and widespread violence, further exacerbating the already challenging socio-economic situation in the country. He highlighted the government’s efforts to address the economic difficulties and called for understanding and cooperation from the citizens.
The statement also urged various sectors, including political parties, opposition groups, religious and traditional institutions, civil society, and non-governmental bodies, to refrain from violence and demonstrate leadership during these challenging times.
Additionally, Afunanya appealed to parents and guardians to guide their children away from activities that could jeopardize public safety and harmony. He cautioned against individuals or groups seeking to exploit existing tensions for their benefit, emphasizing the critical need to protect and maintain internal stability and unity.
The SSS underscored the importance of vigilance among citizens to prevent external forces from destabilizing the nation’s peace. The statement emphasized the catastrophic repercussions of internal conflicts and the necessity of safeguarding the country’s peaceful coexistence.
The SSS’s message is a plea for restraint and unity in the face of socio-economic challenges, encouraging all parties to prioritize peaceful and constructive engagement over actions that could further disrupt the nation’s stability.
