SaharaReporters reported on Sunday that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned the government against attacking members and protesters during its planned nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28.
The Nigeria Police Force has pledged to protect and defend rights of Nigerians who will be participating in the two-day nationwide protest against government indifference in the current hardship, rising inflation and high cost of living.
SaharaReporters reported on Sunday that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) warned the government against attacking members and protesters during its planned nationwide protest scheduled for tomorrow, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28.
According to the NLC, any attack on their procession will lead to a total shutdown of the economy.
The NLC had announced a nationwide protest scheduled for February 27 and 28, to kick against the economic challenges facing Nigerians.
The decision came after a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Nigerian Government regarding the widespread hardship.
But the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, (SAN) have urged the NLC to shelve its proposed nationwide protest.
However, in statement on Monday, the Nigerian Police said it had placed its men on red alert across the country, assuring the organised labour that it would defend protesters' rights amid proposed nationwide protest.
Warning impostors against hijack of the protest, the police in a statement issued on Monday, by the Force Public Relations Officer ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the force was fully prepared to respond swiftly and decisively to any unlawful activities or acts of violence that may threaten peace, public safety, and security during the protest.
"The Nigeria Police Force, on the heels of the proposed nationwide protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), hereby affirms the fundamental right of all citizens of the country to engage in peaceful protest in line with extant laws," Adejobi declared in the statement.
"As such, the NPF reiterates its commitment to ensuring the rights and freedom of protesters are protected."
According to the statement, "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. 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 recognising 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."
The force spokesman stated unequivocally that the police had spread its tentacles nationwide to curb any attempt by some individuals who might want to leverage on the nationwide protests, "to create brouhaha," warning that such would 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."
Adejobi quoted the Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to have urged all participants at the proposed protest to conduct themselves peacefully and responsibly, while adhering to the principles of non-violence and respect for the rights of others.
"He also calls on the organisers to cooperate with the Police and other relevant security agencies in ensuring that their protests remain peaceful and orderly even as the NPF works tirelessly to ensure that protests are conducted in a safe environment, conducive to the promotion of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria."