POLICE HOLD A PEACE MEETING WITH LABOR REPRESENTATIVES IN KWARA.

Tunji Wusu –

The Kwara State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Ebunoluwarotimi Adelesi, has called the leadership of labour unions, including commercial vehicle drivers and students, to a peaceful meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State capital, ahead of the planned protest by workers, traders, and students on Wednesday.

According to a police statement signed by SP Okasanmi Ajayi, Police Public Relations Officer, on Tuesday, the meeting was held to protect the state’s present peace and serenity and was endorsed by the Director of State Services and the Commandant of the NSCDC.

“At the peace meeting, discussions were premised on how the protest could be peaceful and rancour-free if, eventually, it holds,” the statement stated, referring to the fragile nature of security in the country in general and the state in particular.

“In their respective contributions, both the Director of State Services, Mr Patrick Ikenweiwe fsi, mni, and Commandant NSCDC, GB Umar, emphasized the importance of the labour unions deferring their protest and continuing with the engagement they had begun with the Federal Government.”The meeting’s labor and student leaders expressed their willingness to cancel the demonstration if their national leaders directed them to do so.

“One thing that everyone agreed on was that the state’s peace and progress are paramount in everyone’s minds.”

“The CP and all others in attendance agreed to await the final decision of the meeting between Labour leaders and the government.”
Meanwhile, Okasanmi stated that security procedures had been put in place across the state to check and limit any backlash that could emerge from the demonstration.

“As a result, the Commissioner of Police wishes to advise parents and guardians to summon their children and wards and to warn them against becoming instruments in the hands of the bad guys.” “Anyone found breaking the law during the protest will be arrested and charged in court,” he said.

According to the statement, the meeting was attended by Comrade Muritala Saheed, State Chairman NLC; Comrade Joseph Tunde, TUC; Alhaji Abdulrasak Ariwola, Chairman NURTW; Alhaji Yinka Onikijipa, Chairman RTEAN; Alhaji Azeez Yakubu, Chairman ORAN; Alhaji Babaelesin Abdulazeez, Secretary, Tricycle Association of Nigeria; and Yusuf Abdulgafar,