Clearing agents at the nation’s ports have warned against any attempted attack on port infrastructure during the forthcoming August 1 protest by youths, calling on security operatives to be on their toes to ensure such acts are nipped in the bud.
Speaking with the Nigerian Tribune, a cross section of agents warned that Nigeria cannot afford to have a repeat of the 2020 EndSars protest which left many port-related infrastructure like the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) headquarters damaged.
According to the National Coordinator of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC), Chief Osita Chukwu, he warned that the protest, while lawful, must not be allowed to be hijacked by hoodlums.
In the words of Chief Osita Chukwu, “Protesting is a fundamental human right of every good citizen of Nigeria, as long as it is peaceful. Anything short of a peaceful protest should not be allowed. Protest against bad governance by the people is overdue, but must be peaceful.
“We cannot afford to have a repeat of the 2020 destruction to port infrastructure and other facilities across the country. Security operatives need to be on top of their game to ensure there is no breakdown of law and order, most especially around the seaports area.
“During the last protest in 2020, the NPA headquarter was targeted and many offices were damaged by unknown persons. There were attempts to attack the Tin-Can Island Port but that was not successful due to security operatives around the facility as at that time.
“Come Thursday, we expect the men of the Nigerian Police Force to ensure all ports facilities are secure. We are not against peaceful protest against bad governance, what we kick against is violent protest or destruction of public infrastructure.”
Meanwhile, the Port Authority Police Western Command have warned that any attempt to disrupt port operations or incite violence will be met with fierce resistance.
In a statement released by the Commissioner of Police Olanrewaju Ishola, the Police said that the Command has deployed strategic assets to secure Apapa Port, Tin-Can Island Port, Lekki Deep-Sea Port and other facilities within its jurisdiction.
Ishola emphasised that the Command will enforce free passage on all ports access roads and warned miscreants to avoid taking advantage of the protest to unleash mayhem.
He assured stakeholders of the Command’s commitment in engaging with Maritime unions and leveraging intelligence to maintain law and order.
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