The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, has warned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) that no form of breakdown of law and order during its planned protest on Tuesday and Wednesday will be tolerated in the state.
Fayoade gave the warning on Sunday in a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin.
According to the statement, the police commissioner assured Lagosians that the Command has put in place necessary measures to ensure the safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties during the protest.
The police spokesperson said that the assurance by the commissioner of police became imperative following news making the rounds about the NLC’s planned nationwide protests billed to start on Tuesday, “an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing free flow of traffic.”
Hundeyin said, “The Command will live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons.
“CP Fayoade, therefore, warns all intending protesters that anyone found infringing on the rights of other Nigerians will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Meanwhile, CP Fayoade once again enjoins all peace-loving Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure their safety and security.”
SaharaReporters on Saturday reported that the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, explained why the labour union was determined to embark on the planned nationwide protest across the country on February 27 and 28.
Ajaero, who gave the explanation on Friday evening while speaking on X space hosted by SaharaReporters, also clarified that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had never been part of the planned protest from the beginning.
Nigeria’s secret police, the Department of State Services (DSS) had asked the labour union to shelve its planned nationwide protest, describing it as a contempt of court.
But Ajaero said that the NLC in its response told the DSS “To keep their unsolicited advice; because history will not forgive NLC if we should keep quiet at this moment in Nigeria’s political history.”
SAHARA REPORTERS
