Police warn striking Kogi workers to steer clear of highways

The Nigeria Police has alerted of plans by workers in Kogi State, presently on an industrial action to block highways and other roads in the state in the course of the their protest march.

In a statement made available to Global Patriot Newspapers, Tuesday, and signed by ACP Olabisi Kolawole, the Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters, Abuja, the police warned the striking workers that ‘extending that their protest to blocking highways/roads in the state, in a manner that will cause major traffic and security threats, is not only overreaching the extension of their grievances but also intolerable.’

“Information available to the Nigeria Police indicates that workers’ union leaders in Kogi State are planning to block highways leading in and out of Kogi to advance their labour disputes with state government.

“While the Police recognize and respect the constitutional rights of labour force in Kogi, to peaceful assembly and lawful protest in furtherance to their dispute with their employers, the Nigeria Police wish to state categorically that extending their protest to blocking highways/roads in the state, in a manner that will cause major traffic and security threats, is not only overreaching the extension of their grievances but also intolerable.

“As such, the Nigeria Police hereby warns striking workers in Kogi state to desist from hatching such inciting and provoking plans and restrict themselves to due legal and labour procedures that will not in anyway, cause discomfort to innocent citizens.

“Failure to adhere strictly to this warning, the Force will mobilize maximally to deal decisively with anyone or group trying to threaten the security or public peace under any guise of protest, and will not hesitate to bring such persons or group to justice,” said the statement.