By Mark Orgu, News/Comments, August 2, 2023
ABUJA-The Nigeria Police force has advised Nigerians, especially the Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC, Trade Union Congress, TUC, Civil liberty organizations, (CLO), others to go about their protest peacefully without infringing into citizens right, stating that, the police will not tolerant such. “The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country”
Egbetokun however stated that while the force acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues, he wants a well coordinated protest, and so, state commissioners must ensure the rule of engagement:
“The Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests. A peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and preventing any form of violence or disruptions to public order, should the protests persist.
“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been emplaced. However, it is hereby reaffirmed that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion will be met with firm, professional and commensurate lawful approach. The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country”.
The IGP concluded by assuring citizens of their preparedness to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order. Meanwhile, some analysts have warned desperate politicians who are fond of importing touts to disrupt peaceful protest to desist from it, even as Barr. Daniel Bwala, former adviser on legal matters to former Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege, insists on Politics Today, Channels TV, yesterday, that same APC will import touts to cause crisis in the NLC protest, even as Labour says, no going back on the protest.
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