In a statement released on Tuesday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated that the action was taken to guarantee that strong security measures, such as strategic deployments to safeguard vital infrastructures, are in place to prevent any breakdown of law and order and to guarantee that any protests that do occur are lawful and peaceful.
The statement from the IGP stated that it had instructed all State Command Commissioners of Police and Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police to work with other security agencies to make sure the directive is followed throughout the nation.
He argued that no decent society anywhere in the world would tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest.
In addition, he made a plea to parents and guardians to caution their children and not allow themselves to be exploited by “disgruntled and misguided” people who are planning violent protests in an attempt to spread chaos. It was also suggested to these people that they put their “unpatriotic and clandestine” ambitions on hold for their own benefit.
“Following recent moves by some groups mobilizing for a mass protest nationwide, the Nigeria Police Force has reiterated that the right of citizens to protest is a right to peaceful protest only. The Nigeria police will protect the rights of all citizens including those on peaceful protest.
“While the NPF is committed to protecting the rights of those on peaceful protest, it will not look on to see the rights of others being violated in the name of a mass protest,” the statement partly said.
The IGP advised those who want to stage a peaceful protest, to inform the police and request police protection.
“Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law,” it threatened.
He further argued that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid, or disrupt the transmission of electricity.
This is as the labour congress during the last nationwide protest, had switched off the national grid, throwing the country into hours of darkness.
“It is equally unacceptable to disrupt any other critical infrastructure such as airports, hospitals and other essential services, or violent picketing in whatever magnitude,” he added.
The force said it is committed to maintaining law and order and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, therefore, warned, that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardise national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action, but will be met with the full force of the law.
“We remain dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens while ensuring that public order is maintained,’ the statement added.
The duo of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, have said they expect nothing but a six figure minimum wage from the government.
