Hunger: Police Backpedal, Move To Ensure NLC’s Peaceful Protests

Following what looks like a tactical retreat from its earlier position concerning the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Police Force on Monday, February 26, 2024 declared that it was the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.

Towards this end, the Police top hierarchy said all of its State command Commissioners and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.

The Police said that while recognising the importance of peaceful protest, its personnel would remain vigilant against any attempts to hijack such protests by individuals or groups of persons with sinister intents.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has scheduled its planned nationwide protests against hunger and escalating cost of living for Tuesday and Wednesday, February 27 and 28 respectively.

A statement by the Force Public Relations officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that the Police was committed towards the protection of the rights and freedom of protesters, adding that in line with their lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Force had deployed personnel throughout the country and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protests.

The statement further said; “Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.

“It is vital to state that the Police has spread its tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage on the nationwide protests, to create brouhaha, and such will be met with an approved legal and proportional force as the Police will not allow wanton break down of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in any part of the country,” it said.

Adejobi said that the Inspector-General of Police urged all participants at the proposed protest to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly by adhering to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others.

The IGP also called on the organisers to cooperate with the Police and other relevant security agencies in ensuring that their protests remain peaceful and orderly even as the Force work tirelessly to ensure that protests are conducted in a safe environment, conducive to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria.