The Federal Capital Territory Police Command has advised the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress to reschedule their planned solidarity protest in Abuja on Tuesday, citing intelligence about potential infiltration by non-state actors.
In a statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command acknowledged the unions’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly but raised security concerns.
“Intelligence reports at the disposal of the Police indicate plans by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors to infiltrate and hijack the protest for purposes inimical to public peace and security,” the statement read.
Adeh said the appeal to postpone the rally was “in the overriding interest of public safety” to prevent a breakdown of law and order and protect residents’ freedom of movement.
The NLC and TUC had announced a peaceful solidarity rally at the Federal Capital Development Authority on Tuesday to support FCT administration workers who have been on strike since January 19 over unpaid salaries, promotion arrears, and poor working conditions.
The FCT authorities had earlier approached the National Industrial Court, which ordered the workers to suspend their strike. The labour unions accused the administration of intimidation and vowed to resist it.
