BREAKING: IGP Finally Bows To Pressure, Approves Protest, Tells Organisers What To Do
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun (IGP), has ordered Nigerians organising the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest to submit their contact details and addresses to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states before carrying out the protest.
The IGP, Who gave the order on Friday while addressing journalists during a press briefing at the Force Headquarters said that the order is to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “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.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information:
“Stating the proposed protest routes and assembly points. 2. Expected duration of the protest. 3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers.
“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.
“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.
“Minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity. 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.”
NNH also reported that the organisers of the planned nationwide protest had written to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, seeking that Eagle Square be made available for the peaceful demonstration between August 1 and 10, 2024.
Speaking on Friday, The IGP asked all groups planning to carry out the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Egbetokun, who spoke to journalists at Force Headquarters at a press briefing, said the demands were made to ensure the protest was peaceful.
