Rivers Crisis: Police caution LG employees over planned protest
The Rivers State Police Command, has warned against Monday’s planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, (NULGE).
A statement released on Sunday night by Police Spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, said the police are aware of the protest.
The police explained that although they respect people’s rights to gather, they strongly advised against the protest to avoid infiltration.
“The Rivers State Police Command has become aware of the planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), scheduled for June 24, 2024. While the Command recognizes and respects the right to lawful assembly, it has credible intelligence that this protest will be infiltrated and hijacked by hoodlums seeking to cause disruption and mayhem within the State.
“Consequently, the Command strongly advises the organisers to suspend the planned protest to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order. The Police will take all necessary lawful measures to protect the lives and properties of every resident in Rivers State. The Command has vowed to apprehend and prosecute any person or group that attempts to disrupt the peace,” the statement read in part.
To ensure the safety and security of the public, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, said he had deployed police officers to the secretariates of all 23 Local Government Areas in the State.
“These officers will remain in their respective locations until the threat of disruption of peace is deemed to have ceased,” the statement added.
Disu reassured the residents of state, that the command has implemented comprehensive security measures to safeguard lives, and property, and ensure unhindered traffic flow, fostering a peaceful environment for all lawful activities.
He urged law-abiding residents, to go about their daily routines without fear, as robust measures have been strategically deployed to guarantee their safety and well-being.
