Strike: Police warns NLC against violent  protest, vows to clampdown on offenders in Ebonyi

Uchenna  Okeh, Abakaliki

Ebonyi state police command led by the Commissioner,.CP Augustina Ogbodo has tasked the Nigeria Labour Party, NLC, to ensure that it’s planned protest scheduled to hold 27-28th February 2024 is not hijacked by hoodlums.

The NATIONS NEWS NIGERIA reports that the NLC was equally warned against violent protest, and that those who will participate in the protest to conduct themselves peacefully.

The commissioner, Ogbodo made this known through in a statement signed and issued to newsmen by the command spokesperson, DSP, JOSHUA UKANDU, shortly after in a meeting with the leadership of NLC in Abakaliki capital of Ebonyi State.

The statement reads in a part: “In view of the planned protest by NLC scheduled to hold on 27th and 28th February 2024, CP Augustina Ogbodo PSC has directed massive deployment of police assets in the state in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police IGP Kayode Egbetokun PhD., NPM to assure protesters of their safety and security and make sure the protest is not infiltrated by hoodlums.

“In an effort to guarantee a smooth protest, the Commissioner of Police (CP) convened a penultimate meeting with the labour leaders on February 26, 2024. They explored strategies to conduct the protest without disturbances. 

CP. Ogbodo emphasized that safeguarding lives and properties, including the safety of the protesters, is a fundamental duty of the police.

She also underscored that while citizens have the right to engage in peaceful demonstrations, any form of violent protest is unlawful and will be met with zero tolerance.

“The Commissioner of Police has ordered Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Teams commanders to conduct patrols that would reinforce public confidence. These patrols would be coordinated with other sister security agencies to guarantee comprehensive policing of the state.

She further enjoined  those who will participate in the protest to conduct themselves peacefully and assures Ebonyians of the command’s commitment to upholding the rights of the citizens and the rule of law while urging them to go about their lawful business without any fear or intimidation while remaining vigilant and reporting any untoward situation to the nearest Police Station.