₦airaland Forum

The Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday warned groups planning and mobilising for a nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country scheduled to begin August 1, 2024, to have a re-think and jettison the plan because it is ill-advised.

He spoke against the backdrop of viral social media campaigns about the proposed protest which is gaining momentum, adding that the country had had its fair share of violent protests with dastardly consequences.

Speaking at a meeting with DIGs, AIGs and command police commissioners of the 36 states and FCT in Abuja, Egbetokun reminded Nigerians that the last #EndSARS protest aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts.

He said: “Before concluding this address, it is important I address an issue of urgent national importance which appears to have gained some momentum, particularly on social media, in the past few weeks.

“Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategizing and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

“As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences.

“The last #EndSARS protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, as well as the loss of several lives. Tales of sorrow, tears, and blood followed what was supposedly intended to be a well-intentioned exercise.

“Rather than lead to any positive outcome, #EndSARS merely aggravated crime rates and insecurity in several parts of the country. Indeed, we are yet to fully recover from the huge economic losses and deep-seated psychological and emotional trauma inflicted upon our people by these protests.”

Consequently, Egbetokun urged the citizens to jettison the proposed protest, insisting that the police had a responsibility to protect citizens and their properties.

“Our position is that the proposed violent protests are ill-advised and should be jettisoned fortuitously. We have the responsibility to protect properties and everyone, irrespective of their race, colour, ethnicity, or tribe, who are lawfully embarking on their daily activities.

“We will, therefore, not sit back and fold our arms to watch violent activities unleashed on our peaceful communities or destroy any of our national critical infrastructure and assets again,” he added.

The IGP said measures were in place to ensure that any hoodlums attempting to disguise themselves as protesters would be apprehended.

He said: “We have mapped out plans to ensure that no individual or group succeeds in fostering a reign of terror and anarchy on other law-abiding and dissolving Nigerians.”

Zwooks:
You can call it off yourselves by better treatment of all Nigerians. 150 Billion for private jet, 21 for VP residence and Nigerians are hungry irrespective of tribe. You all call off the protests yourself by better handling of the nation

Goodvibes007:
Where is the private jet? I saw some people posting fake photoshopped pictures. Just fake news created by those with an agenda.

saddler:
The Nigerian police is a disgrace to the security system.

Your job is to protect protesters while they protest peacefully.


And your job is to arrest anyone causing violence and destroying public property.


Your job is not to stop our democratic right to protest.


If you dont know your job IGP, better resign.

Racoon:
IGP your are in no position to tell a disenchanted nation when to organise political protests. Yours is to ensure that protester are well protected.

raskymonojendor:
Police can become overwhelmed and shoot people hiding under protest to break laws e.g. killing of Ashli Babbitt in Washington during the protest that turned into a riot after Trump lost the election.

helinues:
He who has ears.....

Racoon:
This is Tinubu and other wicked lots in 2012 - 15 protesting including the Buhari threat of "dogs and baboons being soaked in blood" and Rotimi Amaechi's treasonable "we will form a parallel government" inflammatory statements

Racoon:
This was you in 2012

opamoses1:
.sometimes you need to read the whole article and not just jump on the headline.In the same report 👇

“While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder.

Racoon:
This is Tinubu and other wicked lots in 2012 - 15 protesting including the Buhari threat of "dogs and baboons being soaked in blood" and Rotimi Amaechi's treasonable "we will form a parallel government" inflammatory statements

Racoon:
Wait till the protesters go out there first. Meanwhile, it is the responsibility of the police to ensure public safety during protests or riots. Protest is an inalienable right oga.

helinues:
Funny you. Your own no pass make you hide behind your keyboard and be inciting others.

That's wickedness

helinues:
Funny you. Your own no pass make you hide behind your keyboard and be inciting others.That's wickedness

Racoon:
What do we call you lots( Sarrki, Afamed, Eriggs Helinues, Seunmsg, NgeneUkwunu, and others ) that foist the disastrous and catastrophic Buhari and Tinubu upon their nation? Just like Wole Soyinka, all of you are the same bloody hypocrites.

Racoon:
What do we call you lots( Sarrki, Afamed, Eriggs Helinues, Seunmsg, NgeneUkwunu, and others that foist the disastrous and catastrophic Buhari and Tinubu upon their nation? Just like Wole Soyinka, all of you are the same bloody hypocrites.

opamoses1:
Did they say whose blood?

helinues:
You are not in any position to question any of us about what we support or belief.

Why can't you people have respect for other's opinions. We owe you guys nada

Stop wailing bitterly on my mentions

Racoon:
The Internet or goggle is your friend.Abi APC media regulation laws stopped you from enriching your knowledge of what you should know?

helinues:
You are not in any position to question any of us about what we support or belief.Why can't you people have respect for other's opinions. We owe you guys nada.Stop wailing bitterly on my mentions

opamoses1:
They are fascist.

raskymonojendor:
Where do you live, and are you protesting?
Ohaeneze Ndigbo said we should not protest in my state, do you agree with them?

Racoon:
".....The current state of Nigeria is dire. Hardship is suffocating us, and many are dying from hunger. The time for action is now. We, the Nigerian youths, must come together and exercise our right to protest. It's our duty to demand change, to demand a better life.

For too long, we've been silenced, intimidated, and deceived. Our leaders have failed us, and it's time we hold them accountable. The protest is not just a call to action; it's a cry for help, a plea for our leaders to listen and act.

We're not just protesting against the government; we're protesting against a system that perpetuates inequality, injustice, and corruption. We're protesting against a system that allows our leaders to live in luxury while we struggle to survive.

The protest is not just about us; it's about our future, our children's future, and the future of Nigeria. We owe it to ourselves, our families, and our country to demand a better life.

raskymonojendor:
Police can become overwhelmed and shoot people hiding under protest to break laws e.g. killing of Ashli Babbitt in Washington during the protest that turned into a riot after Trump lost the election.

Goodvibes007:
Where is the private jet? I saw some people posting fake photoshopped pictures. Just fake news created by those with an agenda.

raskymonojendor:
Police can become overwhelmed and shoot people hiding under protest to break laws e.g. killing of Ashli Babbitt in Washington during the protest that turned into a riot after Trump lost the election.