NLC Protest: Delta Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Citizens’ Security, Welfare

The Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment to the protection of lives and property, declaring that the security and welfare of citizens remain the central focus of governance.

The assurance was given on Wednesday at the Government House, Asaba, by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Johnson Erijo, while receiving members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who staged a peaceful protest as part of a nationwide demonstration against rising insecurity in the country.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Erijo acknowledged the concerns raised by the workers, stressing that no responsible government would be indifferent to the safety and well-being of its people.

According to him, “the primary essence of government is the security and welfare of its citizens,” adding that peace and stability are indispensable for meaningful development and the delivery of democratic dividends.

While noting that Delta State remains relatively peaceful compared to some parts of the country, the Chief of Staff described the protest as a solidarity action reflecting the wider national security challenges confronting Nigeria.

He also pointed out that the Federal Government is fully aware of the gravity of the security situation, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited some of the challenges currently being addressed.

“We equally recognize the efforts being made by the Federal Government to confront and address the ugly and disturbing security situations being experienced in some parts of the country,” Erijo said.

He further conveyed Governor Oborevwori’s message to the workers, emphasizing that the enhancement of peace and security constitutes one of the cardinal pillars of the present administration’s MORE Agenda.

According to him, without peace and security, it would be impossible to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy, assuring the protesters that their concerns had been clearly received and would be communicated to the appropriate authorities, including the President.

Commending the NLC for its peaceful conduct, Erijo said the state government appreciated the maturity displayed by the workers and assured them that necessary steps would continue to be taken to strengthen security and protect citizens across the nation.

Earlier, the Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Delta State Council, Comrade Acrobat Enekhawore, decried the worsening insecurity in the country, noting that it had disrupted daily life, threatened livelihoods, and eroded public confidence.

The protest, which formed part of a nationwide action by the NLC, ended with a call for stronger collaboration between the state and federal governments to restore security, safeguard education, protect workplaces and homes, and secure the future of the nation.