By MONDAY IJEH

The Police Command in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has appealed to the FCT Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned strike slated for Feb. 3.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, made the appeal in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

She said the appeal followed intelligence reports of possible infiltration and hijacking of the peaceful protest by members of the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria and other non-state actors.

“In the overriding interest of public safety, the Police Command in the FCT respectfully appeals to the organisers of the protest to consider rescheduling the activity to a later date and time.

“This measure is aimed at forestalling any breakdown of law and order.

“It is also to ensure that the rights of other residents to safety, freedom of movement, and the conduct of lawful daily activities are not infringed upon,” she said.

Adeh said the appeal was in recognition of the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.

She pledged the commitment of the command to providing adequate security for all lawful activities.

Adeh said the command would not relent in its efforts to the protection of lives and property.

She enjoined residents to continue to cooperate with law enforcement agencies in their collective effort to maintain peace and security. (NAN)