The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to suspend their planned protest in Abuja, citing security concerns.
The appeal followed the decision of the FCT chapters of the NLC and TUC to stage a peaceful solidarity protest on Tuesday in support of the Joint Union Action Committee, which is leading a strike by workers of the Federal Capital Development Authority over unpaid salaries and outstanding entitlements.
The unions had announced the planned demonstration in a joint statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Benson Upah, and the TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, noting that the protest was aimed at drawing government attention to the plight of the striking workers.
The industrial action has pitched the FCDA workers against the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, with negotiations yet to yield a resolution.
However, the police, in a statement issued on Monday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, said intelligence reports revealed threats to public order if the protest went ahead as scheduled.
According to the statement, security agencies received information suggesting that members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors planned to infiltrate and hijack the protest, with the potential to disrupt public peace and safety.
“In the overriding interest of public safety, the Command respectfully appeals to the organisers of the planned protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time,” Adeh said.
She added that the request was aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order and protecting the rights of other residents to safety, free movement and the conduct of lawful daily activities.
The police command reassured residents of its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, while urging the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies to maintain peace and security in the nation’s capital.