Police Move To Stop FCT NLC’s Peaceful Protest

By Ayodele Oni

Following escalating tension, the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Council, to reschedule its planned peaceful protest slated for Tuesday.

The Command explained that this is in the interest of public safety and security.

The Command confirmed awareness of the planned protest, noting that while it fully recognizes and respects the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest, emerging security concerns necessitate caution.

In a press statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that intelligence reports available to the Command indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security.

According to the statement, the potential infiltration poses a serious risk of a breakdown of law and order within the Federal Capital Territory if the protest proceeds as scheduled.

“In view of the overriding interest of public safety, the FCT Police Command respectfully appeals to the organizers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” the statement read.

The Command explained that the appeal is aimed at preventing possible security breaches, while also safeguarding the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement and the conduct of lawful daily activities within the FCT.

The Police Command reassured residents of Abuja of its unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

It urged members of the public to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the collective effort to maintain peace, law and order across the Federal Capital Territory.

The NLC and Trade Union Congress, (TUC) had planned a solidarity protest in support of the striking members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC) on Tuesday.

All the affiliates and state councils of the NLC and TUC in FCT are to participate in the solidarity rally scheduled to hold at the premises of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) in Abuja.

A statement jointly signed by Ag. General Secretary of NLC, Comrade Benson Upah and Secretary General of TUC, Comrade General NA Toro said, “the rally is to publicly affirm that an injury to one is an injury to all, and that the Nigerian labour movement will not abandon its own”.

The two labour centres said: “In furtherance of our earlier communication conveying the unwavering solidarity of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) with members of the Joint Union Action Committee (JUAC), we restate, clearly and without ambiguity, our total commitment to this struggle.

“We once again urge JUAC members to remain steadfast, resolute, and courageous in the defence of their rights and dignity.

“This is a struggle rooted in justice, fairness, and respect for labour rights and must be pursued with unity of purpose and an unbreakable spirit.”

Both labour centres reaffirmed their full support for striking workers of the FCT, who are aggrieved over non-remittance of National Housing Fund (NHF) deductions to the appropriate authorities in line with the pension Reform Act 2014 (as amended) and non-remittance of pension fund deductions.

NLC and TUC warned that there will be no retreat and no surrender in the face of intimidation, repression, or attempts to wear out workers through hardship and fear.