Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Lagos converged under the Ikeja bridge early on Tuesday to begin their two-day protest against hunger in the land with a massive turnout of both protesters and the police.
In an unusual twist to police – civil society engagements, the police provided the protesters with drinks and biscuits, a fact acknowledged by NLC state chairman, Mrs Funmi Sessi.
“Three gbosa to the commissioner of police. They gave us water, they protected us and they gave us drinks,” Pointblanknews.com quotes Mrs Sessi as saying as the anti-hunger protest drew to an end near the Lagos State House of Assembly complex as she gave note of another protest tomorrow.
Pointblanknews.com gathered that the police commissioner in the state ordered a truck of bottled water and cartons of biscuits which were distributed to refresh the protesters.
The protesters were seen on Tuesday in Ikeja as early as 8.00 a.m. and there was heavy police presence also seen at the Ikeja under bridge.
Speaking before the march began at 9. 15 a.m., the Lagos State Chairman, NLC, Mrs Funmi Sessi, said that the protest was against the economic hardship faced by workers and Nigerians at large.
“The price of foodstuff has gone beyond the reach of Nigerians; the price of rice has gone up and beans as well.
“The monthly salary of workers no longer takes them home, not to talk about taking care of their families.
“We are marching to the State House of Assembly to present a letter; this protest is purely organised by the NLC, with support of some affiliate bodies” she said.
She commended the security operatives led by the Commissioner of Police of Lagos State, Mr Adegoke Fayoade, who was physically present to lead the team to ensure hoodlums do not hijack the protest.