- IGP talks tough, warns against violent protests
- Give us time to meet your demands, FG tells Labour
BY TIMOTHY AGBOR
THE Nigeria Labour Congress has said there is no going back on today’s protest against fuel subsidy removal, as talks with the Federal Government on short-term palliatives collapsed on Tuesday.
The labour leaders made their position on the strike known just as the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, warned that the Police would not tolerate any violent protest by the NLC and the Trade Union Congress.
He said the warning became necessary because of the ugly experiences of such protests in most major Nigerian cities in the past.
The Federal Government had, however, pleaded with the unions to shelve their planned strike action at a meeting of the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives.
The representatives of government said they would do everything possible to address NLC’s concerns.
However, the TUC had directed its affiliates and the 36 state councils to fully participate in the protest.
Pro-labour civil society groups, under the aegis of the Joint Action Front, and Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights also directed their members to mobilise and join the protest across Nigeria.
On the IGP’s warning,
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is deeply concerned about recent developments regarding planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, and Trade Union Congress, TUC.
“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.
“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.
“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. In the 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 IGP, therefore, calls on all officers to be vigilant, professional, and uphold the highest standards of conduct during this period.
“The Police boss urges all stakeholders, including the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups, to embrace peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances.”
The organised labour said the palliatives rolled out by the President in his nationwide broadcast on Monday night, was very insignificant to cushion the effect of the suffering in the country and vowed to go on with its planned protest, nationwide.
