Kogi State Police Command has called organisers of the protest slated for August 1, to identify themselves to enable the command to make elaborate security arrangement for a peaceful protest in the state.
A statement issued on Tuesday said the Commissioner of police, Mr Bethrand Onuoha made the call during a meeting with critical stakeholders in Lokoja.
Spokesman of the state police command, SP William Aya, signed the statement.
Critical Stakeholders at the meeting included the leaderships 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 others.
Onuhoa while accepting the fact that citizens have the right to peaceful assembly and protest, however stressed the need for maintaining law and order.
According to him, the stakeholders were invited 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.
Onuhoa urged the organisers 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.
He said : “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 warned any group or individuals planning to disrupt the peace the state to desist or face the consequences as Police will not tolerate any attempt to cause destruction and looting of public or private facilities and businesses during the protest.
“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, ” the statement said.
The stakeholders in their separate responses rejected any form of protest in all part of the state.
They also dissociated themselves from the protest, saying that they cannot be part of any protest without having knowledge of the organizers or the aims of the protest.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
