Ahead of the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun has directed commanders of tactical squads to ensure the prevention of violence and anarchy across Nigeria.
This directive comes as protest organizers remain determined to proceed with the demonstration, despite multiple appeals from the government, individuals, and groups.
During a briefing with commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja on Saturday, Egbetokun highlighted that while citizens have the right to peaceful protest, this right must not infringe on the rights of others. He stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism and exercising restraint, even when provoked.
Egbetokun had previously requested that protest organizers submit their details to the police. During a briefing in Abuja on Friday, he specifically urged all groups planning to participate to provide necessary information to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” Egbetokun stated.
“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 details requested include proposed protest routes, assembly points, the expected duration of the protest, and the names and contact information of protest leaders and organizers. The police also sought information on measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements and identifying potential troublemakers.
Expressing concern over the possibility of the protest being hijacked, the IGP emphasized the importance of this information in identifying potential troublemakers. He reiterated the police’s commitment to deploying adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, stressing the need to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Additional guidelines released by the IGP include establishing clear communication channels with protest leaders, minimizing the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities, and encouraging cooperation with the police.
“We encourage all protesters 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 concluded.
The protest, set to begin on August 1, aims to spotlight issues of bad governance, hardship, and hunger in Nigeria.
