Planned protest : police synergise stakeholders to prevent breakdown of law, order.
* Warn against hijack
By William Aya PPRO
The Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command, CP Bethrand C. Onuoha, psc (+) and Heads of other Security Agencies in the State met on the burning National issue regarding protest. Thereafter, an interactive session was held with critical Stakeholders in the State namely:- Leaders of NLC, TUC, NURTW, NARTO, RTEAN, Traditional/Religious Leaders, Youth Leaders, Motorcycle/Tricycle Unions, PCRC, Miyetti Allah, Market Women Association, NYCN, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Students Union Leaders, and other critical Stakeholders at the Police State Headquarters, Lokoja on strategies of how to nip in the bud the planned nationwide protest as it affects Kogi State.
In his opening remarks/welcome address, the Commissioner of Police informed the gathering the reason why the Command invited all of them so that they can brainstorm and proffer practicable solutions on how best to shelve the protest plan and also prevent the breakdown of Law and order in the State.
The CP, while accepting the fact that citizens have right to peaceful Assembly and protest, stressed the importance of maintaining law and order. He urged the organizers to identify themselves to enable the Police provide security for a peaceful protest in the State, if it must hold.
The stakeholders in their responses rejected any purported planned protest, noting that, they cannot be part of any protest without having knowledge of the organizers or the mission for the protest, stating that the motive may be to cause destruction and looting of properties of innocent citizens by disgruntled elements.
The Police, therefore urged the organizers of the protest to provide the Command with the details on the proposed Routes and Assembly Points, duration of the protest and assurances of non-violence protest. These will enable the Command to put in place measures to provide security during and after the protest and also to design methods to deter would-be trouble-makers who may want to hijack the process and cause destruction of lives and property in the State.
The Command warns any group planning to disrupt the existing peace the State is enjoying to desist from such plans, as the Police will not tolerate any attempt to cause destruction and looting of public or private facilities and businesses in the State.
To this end, the organizers of purported/planned protest are therefore, advised to cooperate with the Police and other Security Agencies, adhere strictly to international standard best procedures and practices for a peaceful Assembly.
