The acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has ordered national airtight security in advance of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress’s planned protests this week.
The IG is highly concerned by recent developments involving the planned nationwide labour union rallies, according to the Force Headquarters on Tuesday.
“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 peacefully to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.
“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,” the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said.
The police chief also urged all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as “the most effective means of resolving grievances,” while reiterating the police’s commitment to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement, and mutual understanding to ensure the seamless exercise of civil rights.
Adejobi also stated that the IG has directed the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, as well as the supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to hold fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common ground 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,” he said.
The NPF issued a warning against violence, saying that perpetrators will not allow any act that undermines the country’s peace and well-being and that perpetrators will be dealt with.
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