By Williams Amofokhai
Nigeria’s top police chief has warned labour unions against violence as they staged a massive protest on Wednesday to kick against removal of fuel subsidy by the nation’s government.
Kayode Egbetokun, the nation’s acting Inspector General of Police shows deep concern over the planned protest by the country’s foremost labour unions- Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s president had removed fuel subsidy in his May 29, 2023 inaugural speech, leading to wanton hike in the prices of petroleum product, with the attendant hardship on the masses.
Despite government’s promised palliatives to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal, the labour unions have insisted in strike.
“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).
“While being mindful of the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined in our Constitution, the IGP urges all parties involved to ensure that the planned demonstrations are conducted in a peaceful manner to prevent being hijacked by miscreants, owing to the previous ugly experiences of such protests in most major cosmopolitan cities in the country,” spokesman of the nation’s police chief, Muyiwa Adejobi has said.
The police chief acknowledged the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua none, in addressing these issues, but said protest may not be the solution.
State’s head of police in charge of various commands, and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police have been asked by the police boss to engage in fruitful discussions with the NLC/TUC leadership to foster understanding and reach common grounds 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,” he said.
Egbetokun warned that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes viz-a-viz vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion would be met with firm, professional and commensurate 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 to 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,” he said.
