Victor Ezeja
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has stated that the intelligence available to the Force shows foreign mercenaries are involved.
Egbetokun noted that Nigerian citizens have the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly but in the interest of public safety and order all groups that are involved in organising the nationwide protest must submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe IGP, who spoke at the Force Headquarters in Abuja, on Friday said demands were made to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Prime Business Africa reports that there are plans to hold protests nationwide from August 1 to 10 2024 in response to biting economic hardship across the country.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place,” the IGP stated.
Apart from submitting names of organisers, the IGP also asked that details of the proposed protest routes and assembly points. 2. Expected duration of the protest. 3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.
“Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers. By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.”
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“Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities. Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.”
“However, some individuals promote peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity. We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.”
He commended those who refused to join and who have withdrawn from the protest.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
