The IGP called on stakeholders to work together to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the protests.
By Jeffrey Agbo
Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday held a virtual meeting with lawyers and rights activists, Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), and other key members of the Take It Back Movement in light of the planned nationwide protests.
Force PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said this was part of the Nigeria Police Force’s efforts aimed at ensuring the safety and security of all citizens while upholding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Adejobi said that during the meeting, the IGP emphasised the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the planned protests.
He acknowledged the group’s right to express their concerns through peaceful protests and reiterated the police’s duty to facilitate such rights within the bounds of the law.
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“To this end, the IGP has advised the Take It Back Movement, who have indicated their interest to protest, to engage with the respective State Police Commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and the general public, while pre-empting any security challenges and ensuring that the protests proceed peacefully.
“Additionally, the IGP strongly advised against unplanned open and unnecessary processions due to the potential dangers they pose. He stressed that organizing and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies are essential steps to mitigate risks, protect the rights of all citizens, and protect the well-being of all involved,” Adejobi said.
The IGP, while reiterating that the Force remains dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and ensuring that all public gatherings are conducted safely and securely, called on stakeholders to work together to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the planned protests.