Guidelines for the planned nationwide demonstration by some Nigerians on August 1st have been released by Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun.
The directives were given by Egbetokun to reporters on Friday in Abuja.
According to him, demonstrators need to submit information on their intended path, meeting place, length of protest, and the identities and contact information of protest leaders and organizers.
The I-G declared that steps made to prevent criminal elements from hijacking the protest by taking control of it must also be reported to the Commissioner of Police in charge of the state in which the protest was intended.
The police will be able to deploy the necessary manpower and resources to maintain public safety by supplying this information.
To prevent conflicts with other events or activities, it will also assist the police in assigning specific routes and regions for the demonstration to its personnel.
The police will be able to deploy the necessary manpower and resources to maintain public safety by supplying this information.
To prevent conflicts with other events or activities, it will also assist the police in assigning specific routes and regions for the demonstration to its personnel.
The Police can use this information to open up direct lines of communication with the protest organizers to resolve any potential problems.
In addition, he stated, "It will help to minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities."
To maintain public safety and order, he claims that while the police respect citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest, it is the responsibility of the protesting organizations to supply the necessary information.
In addition, he stated, "It will help to minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activities."
To maintain public safety and order, he claims that while the police respect citizens' constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and protest, it is the responsibility of the protesting organizations to supply the necessary information.
Egbetokun urged the organizations participating in the scheduled protest to work with the police by abiding by the law and following international guidelines for peaceful assembly.
He stated that certain groups were asking for violent rallies to mimic the previous protest in Kenya, and that the police had been keeping an eye on the dangers surrounding the scheduled demonstration.
He stated that certain groups were asking for violent rallies to mimic the previous protest in Kenya, and that the police had been keeping an eye on the dangers surrounding the scheduled demonstration.
According to the I-G, others were advocating for nonviolent protest, but there was a hint of violence, raising doubts about their sincerity.
"We in Nigeria have a history of violent protests, so I don't think we need to turn to other nations to understand the risks associated with uncontrolled gatherings.
"We applaud the patriots who have left the demonstration and take note of those who have voiced opposition to protesting in any way during this crucial period.
"We in Nigeria have a history of violent protests, so I don't think we need to turn to other nations to understand the risks associated with uncontrolled gatherings.
"We applaud the patriots who have left the demonstration and take note of those who have voiced opposition to protesting in any way during this crucial period.
"Real concerns were expressed regarding the possibility that the country's foes could influence the proceedings.
"We possess reliable information regarding foreign machinery's participation in the organized demonstration," he declared.
Nigerians should be cautious and consider their options carefully before joining any protest group, Egbetokun advised.
It was becoming obvious, he continued, that even nonviolent protest at this point might be mistimed.
"We possess reliable information regarding foreign machinery's participation in the organized demonstration," he declared.
Nigerians should be cautious and consider their options carefully before joining any protest group, Egbetokun advised.
It was becoming obvious, he continued, that even nonviolent protest at this point might be mistimed.
The I-G issued a warning to thugs looking to use the protest to further their illicit goals and organizations planning to topple the government.
He declared that the police would not put up with the murder of defenseless people, the damage of private property and public infrastructure, or the robbery of private companies.
He declared that the police would not put up with the murder of defenseless people, the damage of private property and public infrastructure, or the robbery of private companies.
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