Governor of Taraba State,Darius Ishaku has put a ban on any form of protests and demonstrations in the state. This was announced on Saturday in the state capital, Jalingo
The announcement was made by the Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mr Illiya Bekyu on behalf of the governor.
But, the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Taraba Chapter, Peter Gambo 
has swiftly responded by describing the governor’s directive as a mere threat.
Gambo said workers in the state would not be intimidated by the governor’s statement.
He said because workers have the right to protest, the governor’s directive would not be obeyed by the union members.
“To avert any form of protest in the state, the government must endeavour to settle all salary arrears meant for public servants.
“This is the only way the organised labour can desist from embarking on peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
Governor Ishaku said any group or individuals that wanted to protest must seek government approval before embarking on such exercise.
The ban comes four days after primary school teachers in the state protested the non-payment of their salaries, now running into eight months.
The teachers were joined in the protest by their pupils.
“I want to state here that individuals or groups wanting to embark on any form of demonstration in the state without government approval are warned to desist forthwith or face the full wrath of the law,” he said.
He warned parents and guardians against allowing their children to take to the streets for protest on behalf of their teachers.
“The state government is particularly warning parents and some individuals who want to use little children as shield during demonstrations in pressing for whatever demands to refrain from such act or be prosecuted,” he noted.
He warned that any attempt by individuals or groups to undermine the credibility of the government would not be tolerated and anyone caught in such act would be treated as a saboteur.
Source: ( PM News )
