NLC To Hold May Day Celebration On Abuja Streets
Ayuba Sanusi
THE Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) will hold this year’s edition of the annual May Day celebration on the streets of Abuja as against the traditional Eagle Square venue.
A memo signed by the General Secretary of Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja cites ” the last minute questionable action of the government at the centre to deny us the use of the Eagle Square for this year’s May – Day celebrations three days to the event despite having granted us the permit months ago” as the reason. 
The memo addressed to all affiliates of the body further notes that: “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 actually a sign of what is to come in the near future. It is a call to all of us to be prepared.”
The umbrella body of workers in the country has following the latest development asked its members to assemble at the national headquarters of the body at 8 am on Monday 1st of May for a march across major streets of Abuja.
“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 so that we can deepen our reconnection with the people who are our true partners in the struggle for a free society.
“Take-off point shall be at the National Headquarters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) hy 8:00 AM. All affiliates are to assemble on the ground of the Paschal Bafyau Labour House on Monday the 1st of May from where we shall proceed on a rally around Abuja.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media was unable to ascertain the reason for the change in the decision not to allow the event hold at Eagle Square as officials of the Federal Ministry of Labour contacted refused to speak on the development.
Eighteen-Eleven Media
