Olukayode Egbetokun, acting inspector-general of police, has ordered the deployment of water-tight security nationwide over planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, scheduled to start on August 2nd.
The Force Headquarters on Tuesday stated that the IG is extremely concerned about recent events regarding the nationwide strike by the unions.
The spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a statement that: “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.
“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.
IGP 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.”
Adejobi 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 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.
Warning against violence, the Nigerian Police Force said perpetrators will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of the country, adding that perpetrators will be dealt with.
