The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has instructed all police units nationwide to implement watertight security measures in response to the planned protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) during the week.
The Force Headquarters conveyed the IG’s deep concern about the potential protests and emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations, in line with constitutional rights, to prevent any infiltration by miscreants, as witnessed in previous protests.
In a statement obtained by The Quest Times, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, disclosed that the IG recognizes the grievances raised by the labour unions and stresses the importance of constructive dialogue as the essential means of addressing these issues.
The police boss called on all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue and reiterated the police’s commitment to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open discussions and mutual understanding.
“While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our constitution, the IG 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.
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“The IG, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.”
Furthermore, the IG has instructed the Commissioners of Police and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to engage in productive discussions with the NLC and TUC leadership to find common ground on the planned protests. The Nigeria Police Force emphasized that a peaceful and coordinated approach is crucial to achieving meaningful solutions and avoiding any violence or disruptions to public order.
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“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,” he said.
The statement warned against any form of violence, stressing that the police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of the country. The NPF reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the planned protests and assured that necessary measures have been put in place to facilitate their peaceful conduct.
The police vowed to deal decisively with any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes, such as vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion. The IG called on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period of potential challenges posed by the planned protests.
“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 the firm, professional and commensurate lawful approach. The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.
“In light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Nigeria Police Force is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens. The IGP, therefore, calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.”