Ahead of the nationwide protest by the organised labour on Wednesday, the Acting Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, to engage in fruitful discussions with organised labour to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests
TheHintsNews reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) on Tuesday declared that there was no going back on the nationwide protest starting from Wednesday.
But Egbetokun, in a statement issued Tuesday by the the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, urged all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner.
He said this was to prevent the protest from being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country.
Egebtokun acknowledged the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.
He said: “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.
“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 IG 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 warned: “However, it is hereby 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 Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country.”
Egebtokun noted that in light of the potential challenges posed by the planned protests, the Police is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of our citizens.
The IGP, therefore, called on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.