Photo caption: IGP Egbetokun
Nationwide protests: IGP preaches dialogue says Police won’t condone violence
Khalid ABRAHAM
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, has urged labour to eschew violent protests during the nationwide protests planned for Wednesday.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have called out workers and other Nigerians to troop out Wednesday in protest against hardship occasioned by subsidy removal on petrol by President Bola Tinubu administration.
In a press release by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer Force Headquarters Abuja, it is stated IGP Egbetokun is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the labour unions.
The release notes, “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.”
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To avert breakdown of law and order the IGP directs all Commissioners of Police and Assistant Inspectors General of Police to engage labour on the planned protests.
“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 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.
“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.”
It assures the citizens, “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 Police boss consequently “calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period,” while urging all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to “embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances.”
He similarly reemphasized 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.
