The Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered area commands and tactical squads to act rapidly to prevent violence and anarchy as the organisers of the #EndBadGovt protest march are inflicting in their plans for August 1.
Mr. Egbetokun who was addressing commanders from the Police Mobile Force’s Counter Terrorism Unit and Special Protection Unit in Abuja Saturday in Abuja noted that protesters have a right but must not disrupt social order.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” said IG Egbetokun.
“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: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The IGP also released other guidelines to the protesters, among which were for them to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“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.”
