NLC strike: Police won’t tolerate violent protest — IGP warns

<p>The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has expressed concern over the proposed nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), warning that the Police will not tolerate any form of violence during the protest.</p>, <p>Recall that a few days ago, the NLC gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to reverse all perceived anti-poor policies or face an indefinite nationwide strike from August 2.</p>, <p>Reacting to the proposed industrial action by the NLC in an official statement made available on the Force’s Facebook page through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP said that although the right to protest is enshrined in the constitution, but should be done in a peaceful way, devoid of violence.</p>, <p>According to him, there have been instances in the past where such protests were hijacked by miscreants and resulted in the disruption of public order.</p>, <p>He emphasized that the Police will not tolerate any attempt to sabotage the protest, adding that such will be met with a professional and lawful approach.</p>, <p>However, IGP Egbetokun assured that the Police will ensure the security of lives and properties of the citizens during the duration of the planned protest.</p>, <p>The statement read: “The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM, 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. The IGP, however, acknowledges the grievances raised by the labour unions and the importance of constructive dialogue, which is sine qua n