The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a fresh warning to protesters ahead of the planned nationwide protests scheduled for August 1.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi revealed that the IGP is urging protesters to refrain from engaging in unlawful acts, armed robbery, criminality, and destruction of infrastructure.
This warning comes after the IGP earlier outlined conditions for the protest organizers to meet before embarking on the demonstration against economic hardship in the country.
The IGP requested details, names, and contacts of the organizers to enable the police to monitor their activities and prevent any potential hijacking of the protest.
While some Nigerians and activists criticized the move, the IGP in the latest directive said that lessons from previous protests in Nigeria, including the EndSARS protests, showed that unchecked demonstrations can lead to property damage, loss of lives, and a breakdown in law and order.
The IGP warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leaves communities vulnerable to criminal activities, citing examples of police stations being burnt down, leading to criminals taking over, and armed robbers roaming free.
He urged citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events and cautioned that serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations, including loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.
The full statement reads:
PRESS RELEASE
WE CAN’T AFFORD TO HAVE VIOLENT PROTESTS IN NIGERIA
As Police Boss Rolls Out Negative Effects of Violent Protests
The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, addressed the nation in light of the planned nationwide protests, emphasising the severe negative effects that violent demonstrations can have on our society. In his address, the IGP highlighted several critical points that underscore the importance of maintaining peace and order during protests.
“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” stated the IGP. He stressed that while the current economic challenges are not unique to Nigeria, the government is actively working to mitigate their impact and provide relief to the citizens.
Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the IGP remarked, “Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it is 7 p.m.” He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure leads to a breakdown in law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
“There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the IGP continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events. “Serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of life, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.
The IGP acknowledged the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.” He called on all Nigerians to exercise this right responsibly and to avoid actions that could escalate into violence. Peaceful protests, he emphasised, are a powerful tool for expressing grievances without endangering lives and properties.
In conclusion, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order. He urged all Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that any forthcoming protests are peaceful and orderly.
ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
FORCE HEADQUARTERS ABUJA
29TH JULY, 2024