As Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) vowed to go ahead with its planned protest, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, the acting Inspector-General of Police, urged various police commands to ensure peaceful demonstrations across the federation.
Sequel to this, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, Auwal Musa Muhammad, dialogued with the leaders of NLC and the Joint Public Negotiation Council (JPNC) in the state to fine-tune ways to ensure peaceful conduct of the protest.
The meeting which took place at the command’s headquarters along Yandoka Road in the Bauchi metropolis, was attended by the NLC Chairman in Bauchi State, Comrade Shu’aibu Dauda and the state chairman of JPNC, Comrade Ibrahim Maikudi.
“The meeting was a consequence of the planned protest by the unions scheduled to hold on Wednesday 2nd August 2023 nationwide over a hike in the pump price of petrol,” Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, the command’s spokesman said in a press statement.
He added: “CP Auwal emphasised the need for synergy/collaboration with the union leaders in the best interest of the peaceful atmosphere prevalent in the state and the safety of lives and property of citizens, adding that peace should be prioritised by the unions before, during and after the planned protest.
“The Commissioner of Police stressed that synergy between the Police Command and the unions would undoubtedly strengthen the existing relationships between the duo and yield positive results, specifically in the area of information dissemination for the security of the state.
“He assured them that the Command is fully prepared to deploy all its available resources (human and non-human materials) to antagonize/maintain law and order and to protect the lives and property of citizens/residents of the State.
“CP Auwal, therefore, called on all officers of the Command to be vigilant, professional and civil but firm in discharging the constitutional mandate.
“The Commissioner of Police also reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens throughout the period of the planned protests as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of the demonstrations have been mapped out.
“He warned that any attempt by miscreants to exploit the situation for violent purposes such as vandalism, gangsterism, and extortion will be met with a firm, professional and commensurate lawful approach from the police
“The Command will not tolerate any act that would create any inconveniences to the peace and well-being of the State and our dear country.”
Wakil added that the union leaders, in their separate remarks, pledged “to collaborate with the Bauchi State Police Command in the area of information dissemination to have a peaceful protest by taking appropriate measures which include, identifying all their members that would partake in the procession and other internal check measures that would enable them to carry out a hitch-free and successful protest.”
