Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun. Photo: Archives
The Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has ordered watertight security strategy across the country following the planned protest by the Organised Labour on Wednesday.
IGP Egbetokun also directed Commissioners of Police across all commands and supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to reach an agreement with the Union to ensure the protest is not hijacked my miscreants.
In a statement, the IGP assured Nigerians that the Force is more than ready and capable to guarantee the safety of Nigerians during protests.
He said he was aware of the right of citizens to protest peacefully but expressed worry that some criminal element may hijack it if not well planned.
IGP Egbetokun urged the Organised Labour to seek dialogue in resolving the issue with government rather than resulting to protest saying he understands their pains.
He added that the Police would not tolerate any act of vandalism or extortion that threatens public peace and order.
States mobilise ahead of strike
The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Ismaila Oko at the end of an emergency meeting with leaders of all the unions on Tuesday.
Comrade Ismaila Oko said the workers would gather along Lafia Shendam road in the state capital to proceed with the protest, adding that they are committed to the protest to draw attention of government to take measures towards reducing the hardship as a result of the removal of fuel subsidy.
Also, Comrade Salihu Alkali, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists called on Nasarawa State Government to take a cue from other states and commence immediate provision of palliative measures to address some of the challenges workers face especially transportation.
Similarly, the Chairman Zamfara State Chapter of the NLC, Comrade Sani Halliru said arrangements have been concluded for the commencement of the nationwide protest slated tomorrow, Wednesday.
Shortly after a stakeholders meeting held at the Secretariat of the union in Gusau, the state capital, Comrade Sani Halliru said the union will mobilize their members to express their grievances to the government on the current economic hardship being face by the citizens.
Comrade Sani said in the early hours of tomorrow Wednesday the protest will start around 9:00 am in the morning from NLC Secretariat to government house Gusau.
Writing by Oluwaseyi Ajibade, Chris Nyamtu and Sani Dutsinma; Editing by Annabel Nwachukwu