The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has called on Nigerians planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
This request was made during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday.
Egbetokun emphasized the importance of public safety and order, acknowledging the constitutional right of citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. He stated, “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, the IGP outlined the information required from the organizers:
- Proposed protest routes and assembly points
- Expected duration of the protest
- Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers
Additionally, Egbetokun highlighted the need for organizers to provide measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements and key identifiers for isolating potential troublemakers. By providing this information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He also stressed the importance of knowing the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities. The guidelines issued by Egbetokun include:
- Establishing clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise
- Minimizing the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity
The IGP concluded by encouraging 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.
