In a candid interview with Arise TV, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Ben Igweh, emphasized the shared economic challenges faced by both law enforcement and protesters. He highlighted that all citizens, including police officers, purchase goods from the same markets, underscoring the common ground in the issues they face.
CP Igweh cautioned protesters against using longstanding grievances as a justification for causing damage within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), stating that the police will confront them if they attempt to organize destructive protests. However, he also emphasized the need to balance maintaining public order with respecting the rights of protesters.
The Commissioner noted that protests against bad governance have been ongoing, even during the previous regime, and some individuals have become seasoned protesters in the FCT. He urged protesters to carefully consider their actions and the potential outcomes, saying, “If they say prices of food are high for them, prices are equally high for us. We don’t have different markets for the police and different markets for protesters.”
CP Igweh’s comments come as protests continue to rock the nation, with demonstrators calling for improved governance and economic relief. The FCT Police Commissioner’s words serve as a reminder that all citizens, including law enforcement, face the same economic realities and that constructive dialogue is essential in addressing the nation’s challenges.