By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
At least 3,200 policemen have been been deployed by the Police in Akwa Ibom to prevent the breakdown of law and order during the two days protest called by the Nigerian Labour Congress,NLC.
State Commissioner of Police, Waheed Ayilara said when he met with the state chairman NLC, Comrade Sunny James, affiliate bodies and other stakeholders in Uyo said that though the unions have the right to protest, it must be peaceful and in accordance with extant laws of the land.
While calling on Labour Union and Residents of the state to consider the peace of the State as sacrosanct, Ayilara warned criminal elements who may want to take advantage of the protest within the State to perpetrate evil, to have a rethink as the Command would identify and deal decisively with those formenting trouble.
Similarly, the commissioner has also called on the good people of Eket, Esit Eket and Ibeno to give peace a chance in the lingering boundary dispute between the Sister Local Government Areas as no meaningful development could be achieved during crises.
While calling on the Government, the Traditional Class, the Youths and other critical stakeholders to intervene and work harmoniously towards a peaceful resolution of the impasse to prevent a further breakdown of law and order in the affected areas.
He warned those barricading the highway and preventing the free movement of people and vehicles to desist forthwith as such acts would not be tolerated under his watch.
He therefore enjoined all concerned to explore legal options in resolving the lingering impasse while calling on residents of the sate to go about their lawful businesses and be assured watertight Police security at all times
