Orders watertight security in all states, FCT
By Hassan Zaggi
The Acting Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has warned miscreants and hoodlooms against any attempt to hijack the planed peaceful protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
In a statement on Tuesday signed by the Force Spokesman, Muyiwa Adejobi (ACP), the IGP warned that any attempt to exploit the peaceful protest for violent purposes, vandalism, gangsterism and extortion will be professionally resisted and meted with commensurate lawful approach.
“The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country,” the IGP insisted.
The Nigeria Police Force, he noted, is fully prepared to deploy all available resources to maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.
The IGP therefore, called on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.
While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in the Constitution, the IGP urged the NLC and TUC 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 has, therefore, ordered the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), 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 statement noted.
The Nigeria Police Force further 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. The Police boss, has, therefore, 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 reemphasized that the Police is committed to ensuring a secured and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.
