The Police in Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria has sent a stern warning to citizens against any form of violent protest in the state, describing such as a criminal act, which would not be tolerated
The State Commissioner of Police, Augustina Ogodo reportedly dropped the order late Monday, at a meeting with Labour union leaders in the State, ahead of Tuesday and Wednesday planned nationwide protests by the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC..
The NLC is calling out Nigerians to match on the streets to protest the economic hardship which has brought hunger and starvation on citizens.
A Press statement by the Ebonyi State Police Command Acting Public Relations Officer, DSP Joshua Ukandu notes that the Force is massively deploying Police assets in the State in line with the directives of the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun to assure protesters of their safety and security, and to make sure that the protest is not infiltrated by hoodlums.
The statement explains that the Command has explored strategies to enable citizens conduct the protests without disturbances, emphasizing that safeguarding lives and property including the safety of the protesters, is a fundamental duty of the Police.
The Ebonyi Police spokesman further states 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 Police assure that Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers (DPOs), and Tactical Teams commanders have been directed to conduct patrols that would reinforce public confidence, noting that the patrol’s will be in conjunction with other sister security agencies to guarantee comprehensive policing of the State.
The Ebonyi C.P enjoins those who will participate in the protests to conduct themselves peacefully, assuring Ebonyians of the Command’s commitment to upholding the rights of the citizens and the rule of law.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
