The acting Inspector-general of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has warned groups or organisations planning protests that there is no room for any form of violent protests in the country.
This is coming ahead of the planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC and the Trade Union Congress, TUC slated for Wednesday, August 2, 2023.
Reacting to the proposed industrial action by the NLC in an official statement made available on the Force’s Facebook page through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said that although the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, but it should be done in a peaceful way, devoid of violence.
According to him, there have been instances in the past where such protests were hijacked by miscreants and resulted in the disruption of public order.
He emphasized that the Police will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage the protest, adding that such will be met with a professional and lawful approach.
However, IGP Egbetokun assured that the Police will ensure the security of lives and properties of the citizens during the duration of the planned protest.
Consequently, he added that the IGP 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 NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds on the planned protests.
