The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have insisted that today’s demonstration against the removal of fuel subsidies will go forward despite the failure of Tuesday’s negotiations with the Federal Government on temporary relief measures.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had previously issued a warning that police would not put up with any violent protests organised by the National Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.
The Federal Government had pleaded with labour to call off the planned protest at Tuesday’s meeting of the Presidential Steering Committee on Palliatives, claiming that it was making every effort to allay its concerns.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) had ordered its affiliates and the 36 state councils to fully participate in the protest on the day the IGP issued his warning.
The Joint Action Front (JAF) and the Campaign for Democratic Workers Rights (CDWR), two pro-labor civil society organisations, have urged their members to mobilise and take part in the demonstration.
Remember that the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) had earlier ordered all of its affiliates to mobilise for the demonstration planned for today?
But the IGP claimed that the ugly past experiences with such protests in the majority of the nation’s major cosmopolitan cities made the warning necessary.
Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi, who disclosed the IGP’s warning in a statement issued in Abuja yesterday, 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.
“The IGP asks all parties to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to avoid being hijacked by miscreants while keeping in mind the right to peaceful protest as guaranteed by our constitution.
“However, the IGP acknowledges the complaints made by the labour unions and the significance of constructive dialogue, which is essential to resolving 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 ground 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 taken.
“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 a firm, professional, and commensurately lawful approach.
“The Police will not tolerate any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our country. 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 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.
“He also re-emphasised that the Police are committed to ensuring a secure and conducive environment for open dialogue, constructive engagement, and mutual understanding for a seamless exercise of civil rights.”