I-G lists conditions for planned protest

The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued guidelines for the planned nationwide protest on August 1 by some Nigerians.

Egbetokun issued the guidelines while addressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

He said that protesters must provide details of their proposed route, assembling point, duration of the protest, and names and contacts of protest leaders and organisers.

The I-G said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state where the protest was intended must also be provided with measures taken to prevent the hijacking of the protest by criminal elements.

“By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

“It will also help the police designate its personnel-specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflict with other events or activities.

“With the information, the police can establish clear communication channels with the protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.

“It will also help to minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities,” he said.

According to him, the police acknowledge the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly or protests, but it is incumbent on the protesting groups to provide the details in the interest of public safety and order.

Egbetokun called on the groupsin the planned protest to cooperate with the police by obeying the law and adhering to global best practices for peaceful assembly.

He said the police had been monitoring the threats surrounding the planned protest and that some groups were calling for violent protests to emulate Kenya’s recent protest.

The I-G said that others were calling for peaceful protests with a violent undertone, resulting in concern about their sincerity.

“We have our own history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to know the dangers of unchecked demonstrations.

“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest and note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical time.

“The fear that enemies of the country may manipulate the process was a genuine concern shared.

“We have credible intelligence on foreign machines’ involvement in the planned protest,” he said.

Egbetokun urged Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.

He saidthat it had become clear that even a peaceful protest at this time might be ill-timed.

The I-G warned the groups plotting to destabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit the protest for their criminal agendas.

He said that the police would not tolerate the killing of innocent citizens, the destruction of public infrastructure and private property, as well as the looting of private businesses.