NLC Protests: IGP Egbetokun Orders Watertight Security Across Nigeria
…Says, there is no room for violent protests
BY VICTOR BUORO, ABUJA – Following the Wednesday, August 2, 2023 commencement of the scheduled nationwide protests by the organised labour led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has warned that the Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.
The police boss particularly warned 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.
Accordingly, the IGP has directed all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.
IGP Egbetokun however, said that in light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Police was fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order as well as protect the lives and property of citizens.
While expressing concerns over the development with regards to the planned nationwide protests by the NLC and TUC, IGP Egbetokun acknowledged the grievances raised by the organised labour and the importance of constructive dialogue, which he noted was sine qua non, in addressing the issues.
A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said that IGP Egbetokun has also ordered 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 with a view to reach common grounds on the planned protests.
ACP Adejobi further said that while being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in Nigeria’s Constitution, the IGP urged all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations were 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.
IGP Egbetokun further said; “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 reiterated 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.
Egbetokun urged all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances.
The IGP stressed that the Police was committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.
