In pursuance of a peaceful atmosphere during the planned nationwide protest, the Commissioner of Police in Enugu state, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has reiterated the need to shelve the plan due to the available intelligence that reveals the sinister plans of criminal elements to hijack the protest and unleash mayhem on innocent citizens, public and private property in the State.
Uzuegbu during interactive meetings with traditional and religious leaders, president-generals of communities, markets, transport, youth, and students’ leaders, at the State Command Headquarters in Enugu, tasked the stakeholders to dissuade their subjects from engaging in or allowing themselves to be used to perpetrate violence under the guise of protest.
The police commissioner in a statement through his spokesperson, DSP, DANIEL NDUKWE acknowledged the right of citizens to assemble and express their grievances, but warned that such rights must be exercised in line with the provisions of the law, particularly the Public Order Act, which stipulates compulsory application and obtaining approval for such exercises.
However, he reaffirmed the resolve of the Police and other security forces to collaborate and ensure a peaceful atmosphere in Enugu State.
Speaking further, the Chairman of both the Enugu State and Southeast traditional rulers’ council, Igwe Samuel Asadu thanked the CP for engaging the royal fathers on the critical issue of the nationwide protest, assuring that the traditional rulers will do everything possible to discourage their subjects from being part of the protest, given the uncertainties surrounding the exercise.
