The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Mr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has assured Nigerians that the police will handle the planned protest on August 1 with utmost professionalism.
During a strategic meeting in Abuja on Tuesday with senior police officers, including Commissioners of Police and higher-ranking officials, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of maintaining order while respecting citizens’ rights. The meeting aimed to share and analyze intelligence from various police commands nationwide to ensure the country’s security.
“We are fully prepared and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner,” Egbetokun stated.
He reiterated the police’s commitment to safeguarding peaceful protesters, highlighting that their role is to protect citizens exercising their rights. “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters as long as they remain peaceful,” he said. “However, we have a duty to protect lives and property, so we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burn down facilities in the name of protest.”
Egbetokun stressed that while the police support peaceful demonstrations, any form of violence would not be tolerated. “No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right,” he remarked.
He also urged Nigerian youths to disregard any calls to violence, underscoring the importance of maintaining peace and order. “The right to protest is the right to peaceful protest,” he said. “Any deviation into violence will be dealt with accordingly.”
As the planned protest approaches, the Inspector-General’s message is clear: the police will stand by the law, ensuring the safety of peaceful protesters while taking necessary actions against any form of violence.
