Against the Wednesday, August 2 planned protest by members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has appealed to workers to shun violence during the protest.
IG Egbetokun who appealed for calm also ordered watertight security nationwide to maintain peace.
A statement in on Wednesday in Abuja by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, said the IGP is deeply concerned about the planned nationwide protest.
“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.
“The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.
“In light of this, the IGP orders 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,” the statement read.
The Police boss added that 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 then 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, the police 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 statement further pledged, that police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of the 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 statement said.
The IGP therefore charged all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.
He 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.
He also re-emphasized that the police is committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.