IGP Yields to Pressure, Directs DIGs and CPs to Safeguard Protesters Nationwide

Under mounting pressure, the Inspector General of Police has instructed Deputy Inspector Generals and Commissioners of Police to ensure the safety and protection of protesters across the nation.

On Monday, under pressure, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun instructed top police officials to safeguard individuals who plan on participating in the #EndBadGovernance demonstration scheduled for August 1 through 10 in 2024.

Last week, the IGP asked for intending participants’ names and other information as a requirement to safeguard demonstrators during an upcoming protest. However, many Nigerians opposed such terms right away. The police later explained that procuring this data is customary procedure to guarantee everyone’s safety and deter any illicit behavior.

On Monday, the IGP wrote a letter to human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa instructing police commanders to safeguard protesters across the country.

On July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa – a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) – addressed the IGP with regards to providing police coverage for protesters. Representing the Take It Back Movement which is one of the groups coordinating #EndBadGovernance protest in August, this senior lawyer penned down his request to ensure safety during demonstrations.

On July 29, 2024, the IGP issued a response letter instructing senior police officials to fulfill the request of the prominent attorney.

CP Johnson Adenola signed Egbetokun’s response as his Principal Staff Officer.

A meeting was also requested by the IGP with Adegboruwa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 “to discuss further” regarding his request.

It is my duty to inform you that your request will be attended to by the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, as well as Commissioner(s) who are in command at State Commands nationwide on directives from the Inspector General.

CP Adenola conveyed that the Inspector General of Police desires a meeting with you at Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, 30th July 2024 to discuss your request.

Despite warnings from the police, military, and Department of State Service about a Kenya-styled protest, politicians are still urging youths to cancel their planned rallies. The politicians fear that the protest may turn into another EndSARS demonstration like in October 2020. However, despite these pleas from politicians, young people remain determined and steadfast in insisting that they will carry out their scheduled protests as planned.

The planned demonstration to raise awareness about economic difficulties, which is gaining momentum on social media, has been slated for August and will take place in all states of the Federation as well as the capital city.

Over the last few months, Nigerians have been grappling with one of their country’s worst inflation rates and economic crises brought on by both petrol subsidy removal and forex window unification policies implemented by the government. As a result, prices for food staples as well as other basic commodities have skyrocketed to unprecedented levels.

Collaborate with law enforcement.

The IGP made a subsequent statement, appealing to young people to “work with the police in ensuring that future protests are calm and organized.”

The police’s dedication to upholding law and order while safeguarding citizens’ rights was reiterated by the IGP.

As per a statement by Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP stated that there are ample lessons to be learned from past violent protests in Nigeria.

Acknowledging the right to protest, the IGP specified that “peaceful protest” is encompassed within this right.

He urged Nigerians to exercise their right responsibly and refrain from any actions that could lead to violence. The importance of peaceful protests was emphasized as a powerful means for expressing grievances and promoting change without putting the safety of lives and property at risk.