The FCT Police Command has debunked claims that it restricted members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, from leaving the protest ground recently in Abuja.
By Chimezie Godfrey
The FCT Police Command has debunked claims that it restricted members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, from leaving the protest ground recently in Abuja.
This is contained in a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh made available to newsmen on Friday.
She said,”Consequent upon the news making the rounds and the press statement by the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) about the operatives of the FCT police command restriction of members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions, NASU, and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, SSANU, from leaving the protest ground and also the deployment of armoured vehicles, assault dogs, and police personnel to break up the peaceful protest using excessive force at Unity Fountain in Abuja yesterday, July 18, 2024.
“The command wishes to state that it clearly recognises and understands the rights of the citizens to freedom of association and expression and wouldn’t prevent citizens from exercising such rights. Hence, it didn’t deploy armoured vehicles, assault dogs, or personnel to use excessive force to prevent protesters from exercising their rights.”
She added,”The command wishes to state that there was an understanding and agreement between the associations and itself that the protest should be held within the unity fountain, where representatives of each association will address the press and subsequently take their complaints on behalf of others to the appropriate authorities without entering the streets.
“The agreement was reached to prevent potential hijacking of the protest by some unscrupulous elements, hence the restriction.*
According to her, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Benneth C. Igweh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly while prioritising the safety of the general public.
He also noted that the command appreciates the cooperation of the community and would continue to work diligently to maintain a safe environment for all.
