Protest leaders turn down the IGP’s confined protests plan, demanding the right to hold street processions. Read more on their stance.
The advocates behind the forthcoming #EndBadGovernance demonstrations across Nigeria in August have declined the proposition from Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to limit their protests.
During a meeting with the organisers on Tuesday, it was suggested by the IGP to limit protests to identified locations and urged against conducting street rallies.
The IGP cautioned against participating in street processions, citing the possibility of violent actions being planned alongside peaceful protests.
The suggestion made by the IGP was dismissed by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), a lawyer representing the Take It Back Movement, which is one of the groups responsible for coordinating protests across the country.
The virtual meeting was attended by Femi Falana (a Human Rights Lawyer with the SAN title), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) representatives, a number of lawyers, civil society groups and leaders who are spearheading planned protests.
In August, the scheduled protests aimed at addressing economic distress that has gained momentum on social media are set to take place in all states of the Federation and Abuja, the country’s capital.
In the past few months, Nigerians have been struggling with one of their country’s worst economic crises and inflation rates due to a variety of factors such as the government’s decision to eliminate petrol subsidies and merge forex windows. This has resulted in skyrocketing food prices and basic commodity costs for consumers in Nigeria.
Despite warnings from the police, military and Department of State Services against protests resembling those that occurred in Kenya or during Nigeria’s EndSARS demonstrations in October 2020, politicians have urged youths to abandon their plans for rallies. However, these admonishments have not discouraged young people who remain determined to hold the protests.
On July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa – one of the attorneys representing the protesters – penned a letter to request police protection for them.
Senior police officers were instructed by the IGP in his reply letter dated July 29, 2024 to attend to the senior lawyer’s request.
Egbetokun then asked for a meeting with Adegboruwa in Abuja on Tuesday, July 30th, 2024 “to further discuss” his petition.
Instead, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria decided to have a virtual meeting with the police chief. He invited Falana, NBA members and other attendees for this purpose.
Adegboruwa identified several locations where the protests were focused, including Eagle Square in Abuja, Alausa Park in Lagos, Akpakpava Lane in Benin City and School of Agric in Bauchi. Other areas mentioned include Rosewale Filling Station at Iwo Road in Ibadan, Maiduguri Roundabout opposite State Stadium as well as Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium River along with Freedom Park Osogbo located within Yobe state.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Egbetokun mentioned that individuals who were inciting violence for the upcoming protests have been apprehended.
He cautioned against street marches that could be taken over by fifth columnists and foes of the nation.
The IGP cautioned that peaceful protesters should be restricted to specific locations in order to prevent terror groups from infiltrating and causing chaos.
Following the IGP’s suggestion, Adegboruwa announced that there shall be marches on the streets leading up to designated areas for demonstrators as communicated with law enforcement.
He stated that our communication to the Inspector General of Police outlines plans for peaceful processions and speeches by leaders during the upcoming protests.
Adegboruwa emphasized that the police should concentrate their efforts on dealing with violent groups and individuals who pose a threat. He pointed out that since Nigerians have been invited to join the rallies, there is no specific number of participants provided by the organisers.
The IGP was given assurance by the senior lawyer that the organizers were not prone to destruction.
Afterward, Egbetokun stated that the police will supply security protection for demonstrators restricted to locations sent to the Force Headquarters.
The IGP stated that ensuring security for your members during street processions is not feasible. The IGP suggested conducting peaceful protests in a confined location as it would be safer.
The head of the police swiftly suggested that if Commissioners of Police in various states had adequate personnel, they could assign their officers to monitor demonstrations during public marches.
The advice he gave to the organizers was to get in touch with top police officials from different locations, informing them about their need for security protection during street processions and limited protests.
