Babatunji Wusu –
Ahead of the upcoming nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has instructed commanders of tactical squads to prevent violence and maintain order throughout the country.
This directive comes as protest organizers remain determined to move forward with their plans, despite multiple appeals from the government, individuals, and organizations.
In a briefing with commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja on Saturday, Egbetokun underscored that while citizens are entitled to peaceful protests, this right must not infringe upon others’ rights. He stressed the importance of professionalism and restraint, even in the face of provocation.
Ahead of the demonstrations, the IGP had earlier requested that protest organizers submit detailed information to the police. During a briefing in Abuja on Friday, he specifically asked all participating groups to provide necessary details to the commissioners of police in their respective states.
Egbetokun stated, “We recognize the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. However, to ensure public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to share essential details with the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest will occur.”
Organizers are requested to provide information including proposed protest routes, assembly points, the expected duration of the protest, and the names and contact details of protest leaders. The police also seek information on measures to prevent the protest from being hijacked by criminal elements and identifying potential troublemakers.
Concerned about the risk of the protest being taken over by disruptive elements, the IGP highlighted the importance of this information for identifying potential issues. He reiterated the police’s commitment to deploying sufficient personnel and resources to ensure public safety and to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Additional guidelines for protesters include maintaining clear communication with protest leaders, minimizing risks of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities, and cooperating with the police.
“We encourage all protesters to work with the police, adhere to the law, and follow global best practices for peaceful assembly to ensure a safe and effective exercise of their rights,” Egbetokun concluded.
The protest, scheduled to start on August 1, is aimed at addressing concerns related to bad governance, economic hardship, and hunger in Nigeria.
