IGP Gives Intending Protesters Condition to Allow Nationwide Protest Against Hardship

• Kayode Egbetokun, the IGP, joined other public officials to warn against the proposed nationwide protests
• Legit.ng reports that Egbetokun, on Friday, July 26, requested the details of the intending demonstrators
• Some Nigerians are gearing up for a nationwide protest in August over the economic hardship allegedly caused by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's policies

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering metro.

FCT, Abuja - Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police (IGP), on Friday, July 26, asked organisers and members of the planned nationwide protest to submit their details.

Egbetokun said this is to enable the police to adequately provide protection, Channels Television reported.

'We want incident-free protest' - IGP

Television Continental (TVC) also noted Egbetokun's demand.

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Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, Egbetokun said:

"In the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the commissioner of police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.

"To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”

Legit.ng reports that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu scrapped the fuel subsidy in May 2023 causing food and commodity prices to increase. As a result, many citizens are groaning about the economic hardship witnessed under the present administration.

Lagos politician expresses position on planned protest

Meanwhile, a Lagos state house of assembly candidate under the banner of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) in the 2023 poll, Adekunle Razaq Aderibigbe, told Legit.ng that he "stands firmly" in support of the prospective protesters because it is the fundamental right of people to peacefully assemble.

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Aderibigbe said:

"The voices of the people must be heard, and their genuine concerns addressed. However, we urge all protesters to remain cordial and peaceful in their demonstrations.

"The power of a peaceful protest cannot be overstated, and it is through peaceful means that we can achieve lasting and meaningful change."

Read more on planned hardship protest

• End bad governance: ‘Nigeria’s problems beyond protests’, former presidential candidate speaks out
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• "God abeg": Nigerians react as pro-Lagos blog claims Oro festival has been slated for August 1 to 15

Foreign mercenaries involved in proposed protest - IGP

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Egbetokun said foreign mercenaries have been recruited to hijack the planned nationwide protest.

Egbetokun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and reconsider before joining any protest group, adding that he will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest.

Source: Legit.ng