Organisers Reject IGP’s Proposal for Confined Protests

Organisers reject IGP’s proposal for confined protests. Discover the reasons behind their decision and what it means for future demonstrations.

The proposed restricted protests put forward by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun have been dismissed by the coordinators behind the upcoming August #EndBadGovernance demonstrations across Nigeria.

The IGP recommended focusing protests in designated areas during a Tuesday meeting and cautioned against street demonstrations as they may result in violence.

The IGP cautioned against participating in street processions since while some may plan a protest, others might plot violence.

The proposal made by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) was firmly rejected by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a lawyer who represents Take It Back Movement.

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Other attendees at the virtual meeting included Femi Falana, a human rights attorney and NBA representatives as well as civil society organizations and influential individuals supporting the planned protests.

Protests targeting economic difficulties have gained considerable momentum on social platforms and are planned to occur throughout Nigeria, including in Abuja.

Nigerians continue to cope with inflationary pressures and financial turmoil that has been amplified by the government’s withdrawal of fuel subsidies along with the unification of forex markets.

Protests akin to those that occurred in Kenya have been cautioned against by the police, military and Department of State Services.

Fearing a resemblance with the EndSARS rallies held in October 2020, politicians are urging young people to think twice before participating. Despite this appeal, youths in Nigeria remain resolute about going ahead with their protests.

On July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa composed a letter to the IGP asking for police protection during the protests. Following this request, senior police officers were instructed by the IGP to handle it and subsequently reached out to schedule an appointment in Abuja with Adegboruwa on July 30, 2024.

However, as an alternative option,Adegboruwa selected a virtual meeting instead which also brought together Falana,NBA members,and others participating.

Adegboruwa pointed out several specific locations for protesting, such as Eagle Square in Abuja, Alausa Park situated in Lagos, Akpakpava Lane located at Benin City and School of Agric present at Bauchi.

Additionally, other sites include Rosewale Filling Station stationed within Ibadan alongside Maiduguri Roundabout from Damaturu region while Rainbow Roundabout along with Pantani Stadium positioned across Rivers plus Freedom Park placed inside Osogbo are also designated protest spots.