IGP urged Nigerians to disregard the post, saying the NPF makes all communications via its official social media channels
By Kehinde Okeowo
The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has said a WhatsApp message currently trending online regarding the planned nationwide protests did not emanate from him.
He made this known after a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State surfaced on social media.
Part of the message read, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”
However, after the message made the rounds on the Internet, the police boss dissociated himself from the post via a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
According to the statement, the purported message making the rounds on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police”.
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Adejobi said, “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels”.
He further assured that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction.
“We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country.”
The police spokesperson went on to say the IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
Nigerians, especially the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the attention of the Tinubu-led administration to the prevailing hardship in the country.