The IGP, Kayode Egbetokun, requires protest organizers to submit their names and contact details to ensure safety and order for the upcoming nationwide demonstration starting August 1, 2024. This directive includes providing protest routes, assembly points, and safety measures to prevent disruptions.
In a recent directive, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has mandated that all groups and organizers planning to participate in the nationwide protest scheduled to begin on August 1, 2024, submit their names and contact details to police authorities. This announcement was made during a press briefing in Abuja on July 26, 2024.
While acknowledging Nigerians' constitutional right to peaceful protest, Egbetokun emphasized that the requirement aims to ensure public safety and maintain order throughout the demonstrations. The IGP stressed that organizers must provide detailed information to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states. This includes the proposed protest routes, assembly points, the expected duration of the protest, and the names and contact information of the protest leaders.
The directive also highlights the need for organizers to outline measures to prevent the protests from being hijacked by criminal elements. Egbetokun further noted that having this information will aid in identifying and isolating potential troublemakers, ensuring a smoother and more controlled demonstration process.
The upcoming 10-day protest has garnered significant attention, and the IGP's move is seen as a precautionary step to manage the large-scale demonstrations effectively. The police chief’s call for transparency aims to balance the right to protest with the need for public order and safety.
