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JUST IN: Police Seal NLC Office In Lagos Over Planned Nationwide Protests
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…as protesters converge in Lagos
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigeria Police Force has sealed the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) office in Lagos State to prevent the planned nationwide protest against hunger and hardship.
The protest, scheduled by the NLC for February 27 and 28, aimed to address the economic challenges faced by Nigerians.
Activist and national coordinator of the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), Hassan Taiwo, shared an image on Monday morning showing armed police personnel stationed in front of the NLC headquarters in the Yaba area of Lagos State.
According to Taiwo, a few comrades were sealed off in the building, uncertain about the developments awaiting them.
The NLC issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Nigerian government regarding widespread hardship, leading to organising the protest.
However, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), urged the NLC to cancel the protest.
Despite warnings from the government and concerns from other quarters, the NLC insisted that the protest would proceed as planned.
It accused the government of preparing to attack peaceful rallies and alleged the involvement of certain groups in causing violence against protestors.
The NLC President, in a statement, emphasised the right to peaceful protest and warned against suppressing dissent or inflicting violence on peaceful protestors.
The statement also mentioned the potential deployment of state-sponsored terror and expressed the NLC’s determination to proceed with the protest.
In anticipation of the upcoming organized labor protest set to commence on Tuesday, the ‘Take It Back Movement’, a human rights group, has initiated a nationwide demonstration in Lagos State to address the prevailing economic hardships in the country.
This action occurs despite the caution issued by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, against violent behavior or activities that could disrupt public order, such as obstructing traffic and impeding commercial operations within the state.
Fayoade reassured residents of Lagos that appropriate security measures had been enacted to safeguard lives and property, regardless of any protest activity.
However, disregarding the police warning, the ‘Take It Back Movement’ proceeded with their demonstration on Monday, brandishing placards as they marched through the streets.
In a related development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cautioned that protesters nationwide must not face harm or harassment during the planned protest scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its national president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC expressed concerns over potential state-sponsored tactics aimed at thwarting the protests.
The NLC warned that any aggression against protesters would be met with severe consequences, including a complete shutdown and withdrawal of services.
Despite government attempts to intimidate them, the NLC reiterated its commitment to the planned protest, citing the urgent need to address escalating economic challenges, including rising inflation, food prices, forex shortages, and the removal of petrol subsidies.
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Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
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Reps North-West Caucus Beg Youths, Citizens In The Region Not To Join Planned Protest
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