The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to the FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned strike scheduled for February 3.
The appeal was made on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, in a statement in Abuja.
Adeh said the request followed intelligence reports suggesting possible infiltration of the protest by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors.
“In the overriding interest of public safety, the Police Command in the FCT respectfully appeals to the organisers of the protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” she said.
“This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order, and to ensure the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon.”
She emphasised that the appeal recognises citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest, while pledging the command’s commitment to providing adequate security for all lawful activities.
Adeh also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in maintaining peace and security, assuring that the command would not relent in protecting lives and property.