Obasempire reports that the Nigeria Police Force has stationed anti-riot personnel at key locations, in anticipation of today’s nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the country’s economic downturn.
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According to Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, officers have been placed on red alert to manage potential unrest.
Despite warnings from the Presidency and police authorities, the NLC remains resolute in its decision to proceed with the demonstration, citing economic hardships and prevailing conditions in the country.
The protest stems from the government’s alleged failure to uphold agreements made on October 2, 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies.
The NLC had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address the widespread hardships.
In response to the looming protest, Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed state commissioners to safeguard the demonstrators’ rights while preventing any attempts to hijack the event.
The police underscored their commitment to upholding citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while vowing to deter any disruptions.
Adejobi emphasized the police’s preparedness to swiftly counter unlawful activities or violence during the protest, asserting that the force will not tolerate disorder or threats to public safety.
“Emphatically, the force, therefore, is fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security in the event of such.
“It is vital to state that the police have spread their tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage the nationwide protests to create brouhaha, and such will be met with approved legal and proportional force as the police will not allow the wanton breakdown of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in some parts of the country,’’ Adejobi stated.
The statement read in part, “The Nigeria Police Force on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.
“As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected.
“In line with its lawful duty to maintain law and order, the Nigeria Police Force has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
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“All commissioners of police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on the ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.’
’In a bid to facilitate a peaceful rally, police commands in Delta, Benue, and Niger states have engaged with labor leaders to coordinate efforts for a smooth protest.
