Olukayode Egbetokun, the interim Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has mandated strict security across the country due to planned rallies by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress this coming week.
The planned nationwide labour union protests have been the subject of recent events, according to the Force Headquarters, which expressed its grave worry on Tuesday.
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“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,” the spokesperson for the Nigeria Police Force, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said in a correspondence.
The police boss 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,” while also reemphasising 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.
Adejobi further noted that the IGP has also ordered 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 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.