ATTENTION! If You’re Going To Protest Against Tinubu’s Government, Read This Immediately As IGP Issues Fresh Order [Details Within]
In a notable move addressing growing public dissatisfaction, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered top police officials to safeguard participants of the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024. This decision follows a contentious demand from the police for personal details of protesters, which met with widespread resistance.
The police had initially justified the request as a standard safety measure, yet the public outcry underscored a mistrust rooted in past experiences. The IGP’ s revised directive, conveyed in a letter to renowned human rights lawyer Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa, indicates a shift in stance to support the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
The initial demand for personal details of protesters came under severe scrutiny. Many viewed it as an attempt to intimidate potential demonstrators and curtail the freedom to protest. The police’ s defense, labeling the requirement as a precautionary step to ensure public safety and prevent unlawful acts, failed to assuage these fears.
In response to this backlash, IGP Egbetokun, through his Principal Staff Officer CP Johnson Adenola, communicated a new directive to senior police officers across Nigeria. This order ensures protection for the demonstrators, reflecting a commitment to uphold citizens’ rights amid increasing economic distress and social unrest.
The directive followed a formal request by Adegboruwa, representing the Take It Back Movement, one of the key organizers of the protest. In his letter dated July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa sought assurances of police protection for the demonstrators. The IGP’ s response not only granted this request but also proposed a meeting with Adegboruwa in Abuja to further discuss the matter.
” I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors- General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors- General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request, ” read the response from CP Adenola.
The #EndBadGovernance protest is rooted in growing frustration over Nigeria’ s economic conditions. Soaring prices of essential goods and services have exacerbated living conditions, triggering widespread discontent. The twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and the unification of forex windows have led to unprecedented inflation rates, pushing many Nigerians into deeper economic hardship.
Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing support for the protest, reflecting a digital- age approach to civic activism. Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Services against a repeat of the 2020 EndSARS protests, the youth remain resolute. They aim to voice their grievances against the deteriorating economic situation through peaceful demonstrations across the nation.
In a follow- up statement, IGP Egbetokun emphasized the importance of cooperation between the police and the protesters to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful and orderly. ” The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest, ” the IGP stated, reaffirming the police’ s dedication to protecting citizens’ rights while maintaining public order.
Egbetokun highlighted the need to avoid actions that could lead to violence, citing lessons from previous protests. ” There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria, ” he noted, urging protesters to exercise their rights responsibly.
This stance marks a significant shift in the police’ s approach to handling public demonstrations. By ensuring protection and advocating for peaceful protests, the IGP aims to balance the delicate act of upholding law and order while respecting citizens’ rights to express their dissatisfaction.
The forthcoming protest represents a critical moment for Nigeria, with potential implications for both the government and the populace. Politicians have expressed concerns about the protest escalating into violence reminiscent of the EndSARS movement. Yet, the unwavering resolve of the youth signifies a robust demand for governmental accountability and economic reforms.
The economic hardship driving these protests is multifaceted. The removal of fuel subsidies, while intended to stabilize the economy, has led to skyrocketing fuel prices, further inflating the cost of living. The unification of forex windows aimed at simplifying currency exchange rates has had unintended consequences, straining an already fragile economy.
As Nigeria braces for the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests, the IGP’ s directive to protect demonstrators underscores a recognition of the right to peaceful assembly. The commitment to facilitating a safe environment for the protests reflects an understanding of the critical balance between maintaining public order and respecting democratic freedoms..
