TUE, AUGUST 01 2023-theGBJournal |The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu 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 the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.
The order comes ahead of the scheduled protest Wednesday called by the organized Labour.
The Labour Unions are angered by the absence of articulated palliative measures to cushion the pains of the petrol subsidy removal by President Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the subsequent policy initiatives by the administration to placate the populace.
The IGP in a statement Tuesday said he is deeply concerned about developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
He urged 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, while being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution.
According to the statement, the IGP acknowledges the grievances raised by the Labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues.
” 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 IGP said.
He however assured that 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.
He also called on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.
The Police boss equally 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 reemphasizing 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.
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