The Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued guidelines for the Aug. 1 planned nationwide pr0test by some Nigerians.
Egbetokun issued the guidelines while adressing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
He said that pr0testers must provide details of their proposed route, assembling point; duration of the protest; names and contacts of pr0test leaders and organisers.
The I-G said that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state the protest was intended, must also be provided with measures taken to prevent the h1ijack of the protest by cr1iminal elements.
“By providing these information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
“It will also help the police to designate its personnel specific routes and areas for the pr0test, to avoid c0nflict with other event or activities.
“With the information, the Police can establish clear communication channels with the pr0test leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise.
“It will also help to minimise the risk of vi0lence, property damag3 or other cr1iminal activities,” he said.
According to him, the Police acknowledge the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly or pr0tests, but it is incumbent on the protesting groups to provide the details in the interest of public safety and order.
Egbetokun called on the groups, in 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 thr3ats surrounding the planned pr0test, and that some groups were calling for violent pr0tests to emulate Kenyan’s recent pr0test.
The I-G said that others were calling for peaceful pr0test, with vi0lence undertone resulting to concerns about their sincerity.
“We have our own history of violent pr0tests in Nigeria and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to know the dang3rs of unchecked demonstrations.
“We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the pr0test and note those who had spoken out against any form of pr0test at this critical time.
“The fear that enemies of the country may manipulate the process were genuine concerns shared.
“We have credible intelligence on foreign machineries’ involvement in the planned pr0test,” he said.
Egbetokun urged Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any pr0test group.
He said that it had become clear that even peaceful pr0test at this time might be ill-timed.
The I-G warned the groups plotting to d3stabilise the country and hoodlums seeking to exploit the pr0test for their cr1minal agenda.
He said that the Police would not tolerate the ki1ling of innocent citizens, d3struction of public infrastructure and private property, as well as looting of private businesses.
Peoplesmind
