By Mandy Tina
Organised Labour in Rivers State has uncovered a “wicked and unlawful plan by some miscreants” to cause mayhem across Rivers State from Monday 24 June 2024.
The plot is under the cover of the ultimatum issued by the Rivers State Organized Labour to the Inspector General of Police to allow the workers in the various Local Government Areas of Rivers State access to their offices for their statutory duties.
A joint press statement signed by the state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwor, chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Ikechukwu Onyefuru, and Comrade Chuku Emecheta, state chairperson (JNC), states that the unions had not directed anyone or group to embark on any form of strike action or demonstration with respect to the lock down of LGA secretariats by the Police.
The unions called on the police to arrest and prosecute anyone trying to disrupt the peace of the state.
They however directed the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) to remain calm and wait for further notice which is likely lawful industrial action.
The statement read: “We have it on good authority that some miscreants have been fully mobilized by the enemies of Rivers State to cause mayhem across the 23 Local Government Areas under the cover of the Organized Labour ultimatum which elapses by Monday 24 June 2024.
“On this note, we hereby disassociate ourselves from this wicked plan aimed at promoting the call for a state of emergency in Rivers State by some mischief makers.
“Subsequently, we hereby inform our Members and the General Public as follows; Rivers State Organized Labour has not directed anyone or group of persons to embark on any form of strike action or demonstration following the lockout of our members at the various local government areas in Rivers State by the Nigerian Police.
“Impacted affiliate unions, especially the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) is hereby directed to remain on standby until further notice for likely lawful industrial action.
“We call on the Nigerian Police to be vigilant to arrest/prosecute any miscreant found to be breaching the unfettered peace of Rivers State.
“We support the ongoing giant strides of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara GSSRS to promote a peaceful and prosperous Rivers State”.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Police Command says it’s aware of the planned protest by the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), scheduled for June 24, 2024.
The command said that while it 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.
The Police command advised the organizers 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.
According to the command, “To ensure the safety and security of the public, the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, has deployed Police Officers to the secretariates of all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the State. These officers will remain in their respective locations until the threat of disruption of peace is deemed to have ceased.”
CP Olatunji Disu, reassured the residents of Rivers State that the command has implemented comprehensive security measures to safeguard lives, 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.
“The Rivers State Police Command remains committed to maintaining peace and order within the state and will not hesitate to take firm action against any individual or group that attempts to disrupt the public peace,” the command said.
