Organised labour in Cross River State has raised fresh alarm over the worsening state of insecurity and economic hardship in Nigeria, calling on governments at all levels to urgently fulfil their constitutional duty to protect lives and property.
The concern was expressed during a peaceful labour protest in Calabar, where leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Joint Negotiating Council warned that ordinary Nigerians can no longer live or work in safety.
Speaking at the rally, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Comrade Greg Olayi, said insecurity has reached an alarming level, with farmers attacked on their farms, schoolchildren kidnapped from classrooms, and travellers exposed to constant danger on major highways.
Olayi said fear has become part of daily life for many citizens, noting that Nigerians now struggle to sleep peacefully or carry out legitimate activities without the risk of violence.
He reminded political leaders that they were elected to guarantee the security and wellbeing of the people, stressing that the current reality points to a clear failure of that responsibility.
According to him, workers and citizens are exposed to danger every day, while families are thrown into distress by kidnappings, ransom payments, and the loss of loved ones. He added that the labour rally was not limited to workers’ interests but was about the safety and survival of all Nigerians.
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Also speaking, Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Raymond Afu, said organised labour was forced to raise its voice because of the growing suffering of Nigerians caused by persistent insecurity and economic pressure.
He described the rally as a wake-up call to the government at the local, state, and federal levels, urging decisive steps to restore peace, stability, and confidence across the country.
Afu said the primary purpose of governance is the protection of life and property, stressing that Nigerian workers and citizens deserve to live in a country where fear does not define everyday existence.
He emphasised that the rally was peaceful and intended to draw attention to the plight of the people, not to incite violence or disrupt public order.
Both labour leaders called for urgent and practical measures to tackle insecurity and improve living conditions, warning that continued inaction could lead to further loss of lives and deeper public distrust in national leadership.
