By Adewole Kehinde
“Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding.” – Albert Einstein
As the NLC and TUC finally embarked on their protests in respect of the fuel subsidy removal on Wednesday, I was so pleased with the message that came from the indefatigable IGP, Kayode Egbetokun.
In the past, you would have read headlines such as “Police In Show Of Force Against Labour,” IGP Says Labour Protest Is Illegal,” “Police Shut Down Venue Of Labour Protest,” etc.
But IGP Egbetokun stood out when I saw various headlines such as “Planned Nationwide Protests: IGP Orders Watertight Security Across Nigeria,” IGP Says No Room for Violent Protests in Nigeria,” “Labour Protest; IGP Appeals For Calm,”
The most exciting part of this is that all the Zonal AIGs and State Commissioners of Police followed the peaceful way of the IGP by having a series of meetings with Labour Leaders in their zones and states, respectively, as well as promising them watertight security carry out their peaceful protest!
This has been uncommon in the past to see the IGP supporting peaceful protest and encouraging constructive dialogue, which is a sine qua non in addressing these issues.
In keeping with his promise of commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all citizens during the period of the planned protests, as all necessary measures to facilitate the peaceful conduct of these demonstrations have been taken, I saw policemen ensuring safety and the free flow of traffic.
I am also impressed with the police assets deployed by the Police to maintain law and order and protect the lives and property of Nigerians.
I saw police operatives being vigilant, I saw professionalism, and I saw police operatives upholding the highest standards of conduct during this protest. This is impressive; IGP Egbetokun is really a game-changer, no doubt.
I have to commend the NLC, TUC, and other civil society groups for listening to the IGP and embracing peaceful dialogue as the most effective means of resolving grievances.
IGP Egbetokun has agreed with the great philosopher, R. Buckminster Fuller, who says, “You never change things by fighting the existing reality. To change something, build a new model that makes the existing model obsolete”.
IGP Egbetokun has an emphasis on reforming police tactics, giving officers more control, building community connections, and advancing openness. He is prepared to establish a police force that would not only deal with security issues but also establish itself as a source of trustworthiness for the Nigerian populace. He deserves an accolade from the Labour movement as well as from Nigerians.
Adewole Kehinde is the publisher of Swift Reporters and can be reached via 08166240846, kennyadewole@gmail.com
