The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced a nationwide strike, and the police high command has issued a warning that it will not accept any violent protests statewide.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have planned statewide protests, and police spokesperson ACP Muyiwa Adejobi remarked that the acting inspector general of police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, is extremely concerned about recent developments.

“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,” Adejobi said.

However, he claimed that the IGP is aware of the complaints made by the labour unions and the significance of constructive conversation, which is essential to resolving these problems.

According to the police spokesman, the IGP has directed the Commissioners of Police in charge of various commands and the supervising Assistant Inspectors-General of Police to hold productive talks with the NLC/TUC leadership to advance understanding and find consensus regarding the upcoming 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,” Adejobi said.

“The Nigeria Police Force reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been emplaced.”

The Police will not accept any act that threatens the peace and well-being of our nation, he cautioned and warned that any attempt by miscreants to take advantage of the circumstance for violent objectives, such as vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion, will be dealt with with a tough, professional, and proportional legal approach.

“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,” Adejobi said.