Organisers of the #EndBadGovernance nationwide protests scheduled for August have declined a proposal by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to restrict demonstrations to specific, confined locations.
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During a meeting on Tuesday, the IGP recommended that protests be limited to designated areas to prevent potential violence, citing concerns that street rallies could be hijacked by those intending to cause unrest.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), representing the Take It Back Movement and other groups involved in the protests, rejected this proposal.
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The virtual meeting included notable figures such as human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and various civil society organizations.
The protests, aimed at addressing rising economic hardships and inflation, have been gaining momentum on social media.
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The demonstrations are planned to take place nationwide, including the capital, Abuja.
The protests come amid widespread discontent over the government’s removal of the petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows, which have led to soaring prices of essential goods.
Authorities, including the police and military, have expressed concerns that the rallies might mimic the EndSARS protests of October 2020.
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Despite these warnings and appeals from politicians, the organisers remain committed to proceeding with the protests.
Adegboruwa had previously requested police protection for the protesters in a letter dated July 26, 2024.
In response, the IGP agreed to a meeting on July 30, 2024, but Adegboruwa chose a virtual meeting instead, involving Falana, NBA members, and other stakeholders.
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During the discussion, Egbetokun highlighted that individuals inciting violence had been apprehended.
He emphasized that restricting protests to certain locations would mitigate risks, as terrorists and disruptors might infiltrate larger street gatherings.
Adegboruwa countered by asserting that there would be street processions leading up to the confined locations specified to the police.
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He assured that the organisers are committed to maintaining peace and requested that police focus on preventing violence from rogue elements.
The IGP stated that while security could be assured at designated locations, he could not guarantee safety for street processions.
He suggested that state police commissioners, if adequately staffed, might be able to manage security for street protests.
Organisers were advised to coordinate with local police for security arrangements related to both street and confined protests.
