THE Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, has warned protesters joining the proposed Labour unions’ nationwide strike not to ground commercial activities in the state.
The Commissioner warned on Sunday, February 25, urging protesters not to violate the rights of others while carrying out their protest.
The ICIR had reported that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had scheduled a nationwide strike for February 27 and 28 to protest against the current hardship in the country.
Pockets of protests had greeted the country lately following the surging prices of goods and services arising from the fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, inflicting acute pains on the masses.
In a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Commissioner warned that protesters found infringing on the rights of others would be dealt with lawfully.
He also warned against obstructing the free flow of traffic in the state.
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“Police will live up to the mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental rights of others.
“Police enjoin all peace-loving residents of Lagos State to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.
Fayoade, however, assures that adequate security would be deployed to ensure the safety and security of the people.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, had warned the members of the NLC and TUC against the proposed nationwide protest, describing it as in “contempt of court.”
In a statement dated February 23 and addressed to the counsel for the labour unions, Femi Falana, the AGF said the purpose of the planned two-day protest announced on February 16 and fixed for February 27, and 28 was premised on alleged non-implementation of the 16-point agreement reached with the federal government on October 2, 2023.
According to the AGF, the protest centred on issues around the fuel price hike and consequential matters of palliatives, workers’ welfare, and associated government policies.
He said the preceding issues or objectives are at the core of the pending case before the National Industrial Court.
“Upon the submission of grievances to the court, parties in the suit cannot resort to public protests over the same issues, as such conduct amounts to gross contempt and an insult to the institution of our courts of law.
“Therefore, the proposed nationwide protest action in all ramifications is in clear violation of the pending interim injunctive order granted in suit no: NICN/ABJ/158/2023 Federal Government of Nigeria & Anor V. Nigeria Labour Congress & Anor on 5th June 2023 restraining both NLC and TUC from embarking on any industrial action or strike of any nature,” the AGF said.
But the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, had said the union would proceed with the planned protest, saying, “Our protest is a peaceful one against the unpardonable cost of living.”