Benson Upah: Constitution Does Not Grant Exclusive Right to Protest to Trade Unions

Benson Upah, Head of Information and Public Affairs for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), recently addressed critics of the union’s role in leading protests, emphasizing that the right to protest is not limited to trade unions.

Responding to allegations that the NLC oversteps its bounds by organizing protests, Upah stated, “There is nowhere in our Constitution or other laws that says only the trade unions have the exclusive right to protest.” He argued that the right to protest is a fundamental freedom accessible to all Nigerians.

In his remarks, Upah also conveyed a proverb shared by an elder statesman, asserting, “If you abuse me, I will abuse you. I don’t give my mouth to a washman,” highlighting the NLC’s readiness to defend its position against detractors.

He further criticized those who criticize the NLC’s actions but fail to join protests themselves, suggesting that they value their own comfort over engaging in civic action.