NLC Begins Nationwide Protest, Asks Govt To Relief Hardship
. Police Places Men on Red Alert, Warns Impostors Against Hijack
By Abimbola Abdullah
Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made good of their threats Tuesday as they stormed the streets to express their grievances over the current economic hardship.
The action followed the expiration of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to implement measures against the economic hardship in the country.
The protesters in their numbers stormed Ojuelegba, Ikeja and other areas in Lagos chanting Labour slogans while calling on the government to give listening ears to their demands.
Meanwhile, The Nigeria Police Force, said it would affirm the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws.
NPF, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, 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 said it has deployed personnel nationwide and placed them on red alert to monitor the planned protest.
“All Commissioners of Police and their respective supervising officers have been briefed and instructed to coordinate the officers on ground in ensuring the safety and security of all participants if the protests hold as planned.
“While recognizing the importance of peaceful protest, the Nigeria Police Force remains vigilant against any attempts to hijack such protests by individuals or groups of persons with sinister intents. 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 has spread its tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage on the nationwide protests, to create brouhaha, and such will be met with an approved legal and proportional force as the Police will not allow wanton break down of law and order, loss of lives and property like we had experienced, in some instances, in the past, in any part of the country.
“The Inspector-General of Police urges all participants at the proposed protest to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, adhering to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others.
The NLC members are also protesting government’s alleged failure to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
