The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr. Adegoke Fayoade, has issued a stern warning to intending protesters, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rights of others.
With the National Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gearing up for a nationwide strike on Feb. 27 and Feb. 28 to voice grievances over rising living costs, Fayoade urged demonstrators to conduct themselves lawfully.
The strike, slated to address the economic hardships stemming from increased prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the naira, faced a setback when the TUC withdrew its participation, citing concerns over potential chaos.
In a statement relayed by Lagos State police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, Fayoade reiterated the need for peaceful protests, cautioning that any infringement upon the rights of others would be met with lawful repercussions. He emphasized the importance of upholding commercial activities and ensuring unimpeded traffic flow across Lagos State.
Fayoade assured the residents of Lagos that adequate security measures had been put in place to safeguard lives and property, irrespective of protest activities. He assured the deployment of law enforcement personnel to guarantee a secure environment for lawful engagements, promising to uphold the fundamental rights of all individuals.
“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,” stated Fayoade. “Police enjoin all peace-loving residents of Lagos State to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation.”
The commissioner affirmed that sufficient security assets had been strategically deployed to ensure the safety and security of all residents. As the tension surrounding the planned protests persists, the Lagos State Police stand firm in their commitment to maintaining peace and protecting the rights of all citizens.
