On Monday, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun capitulated to public pressure and issued a directive to top police officials to ensure the safety of participants in the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024.
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Previously, the IGP had requested detailed information about the protesters as a prerequisite for providing protection, a condition that faced widespread backlash.
In response to the criticism, the police clarified that gathering such details was intended to safeguard participants and prevent illegal activities.
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Following this, the IGP, in a letter to human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, instructed Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs), and Commissioners of Police (CPs) across the nation to ensure the security of the demonstrators.
Adegboruwa, representing the Take It Back Movement, had originally appealed to the IGP on July 26, 2024, for police coverage for the protest.
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In the IGP’s response dated July 29, 2024, he not only affirmed the request but also proposed a meeting with Adegboruwa on July 30, 2024, at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The IGP’s directive comes amidst warnings from the police, military, and the Department of State Services about potential violence, reminiscent of the EndSARS protests of October 2020.
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Despite these warnings and appeals from politicians, the organizers remain committed to holding the protests.
In a follow-up statement, IGP Egbetokun emphasized the importance of peaceful demonstrations and urged participants to cooperate with law enforcement to ensure the protests are orderly.
He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to uphold citizens’ rights while maintaining peace.
The IGP underscored the lessons learned from past protests, urging Nigerians to exercise their right to peaceful protest responsibly, avoiding actions that could lead to violence.
