On Thursday, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria announced that it would not participate in the planned national protest against hardships and hunger scheduled for August 1.

However, the TUC emphasized that it is the constitutional right of any Nigerian to protest grievances and urged the police and other security agencies not to intimidate those participating, as it is their civic right.

TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, made this statement while addressing journalists during a briefing on the state of the nation. Osifo clarified that no one had approached the union to collaborate on the planned protest, but this did not preclude Nigerians from protesting if they chose to do so.

“It is the duty of the police and all security personnel to protect them,” he stated.