National Telescope national telescope newspaper
Some Civil Society Organisations on Monday stormed the streets of Benin City, the Edo State capital in protest of the economic hardship.
The protest came against the backdrop of the decision by the Nigeria Labour Congress to stage a protest over the failure of the Federal Government to implement agreements reached between both parties on October 2, 2023, following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
The NLC nationwide protest which was announced on on February 16 is scheduled to hold Tuesday and Wednesday.
The decision followed the conclusion of a 14-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government to implement measures against the widespread hardship.
Members of the CSOs who stormed Benin City, were seen carrying various placards such as “End Economic Hardship”, “FG End the Hunger in Nigeria Now,” among many others.
Meanwhile human rights group identified as the “Take It Back Movement” has hit the streets of Lagos State to protest against the soaring price of food and the high cost of living in the country.
Meanehile, the Commissioner of Police in Delta State, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, has ordered massive deployment of personnel across the state to ensure adequate security and safety during the protest.
The CP in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bright Edafe, said the directive was necessary to ensure that the protest is not hijacked.
It read in part, “As part of measures to ensure that the protest is seamless, the CP had stakeholders meeting with the leaders of NLC, TUC, and IPMAN on 22nd February 2024, and discussed measures to achieve a peaceful protest.
“The CP stated that it is the primary responsibility of the Police to ensure the protection of life and property which includes the security of protesters, but also reiterated that citizen’s right to protest is a right to peaceful protest. Violent protest is criminal and will not be tolerated.
“The CP directed the State Intelligence Department to deploy undercover operatives who will monitor and report back findings.
“Manpower has also been drawn from Tactical Teams which include Safer Highway, Dragon Patrol, Safe Delta, Raiders Unit, Rapid Response Squad, Special Anti-Kidnapping and Cyber Crime Squad, CD-Decoy, CP Monitoring Unit, State Anti-Cult Unit, Crack Squad, X-Squad, and additional personnel were also deployed from Department of Operations, Area Commands, and Divisions.
“The CP, therefore, warned all intending protesters that anyone found wanting would be immediately arrested and prosecuted by the law.
“He assures all Deltans, residents, and non-residents to go about their lawful duties, and business(es) without fear as modalities have been emplaced to ensure that the protest is peaceful noting that nobody can be forced to be part of the protest.
“Members of the public are advised to report any untoward occurrence in their area to the nearest Police station or call the Command Control number on 08036684974”.
