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| Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun |
Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has given the green light for the proposed nationwide protest, urging all organizing groups to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
According to Daily Trust, some discontented Nigerians have scheduled the protests from August 1 to August 10, 2024.
Speaking to journalists at Force Headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Egbetokun emphasized that these requirements are to ensure the protest remains peaceful.
He also revealed that intelligence reports indicate the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the planned nationwide protest.
“We recognize the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, for public safety and order, we request all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest will take place,” Egbetokun stated.
“To ensure a successful and incident-free protest, organizers should provide the following information.”
The guidelines include:
1. Proposed protest routes and assembly points.
2. Expected duration of the protest.
3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers.
4. Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for isolating potential troublemakers.
By providing this information, the police can deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety. Specific routes and areas for the protest will be designated to avoid conflicts with other events or activities. Clear communication channels with protest leaders will be established to address any concerns or issues that may arise, minimizing the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities.
“We encourage all protestors to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights,” Egbetokun added.
The police chief noted that they have been monitoring developments surrounding protest threats. While some groups call for violent protests, emulating recent events in Kenya, others advocate for peaceful demonstrations.
“However, some individuals promote peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity. We have a history of violent protests in Nigeria, and we don’t need to look to other countries to understand the dangers of unchecked demonstrations,” he said.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence. We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing that enemies of our country may be manipulating the process.”
“We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest. The Nigerian police urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group,” Egbetokun concluded.
