… planned protest to destabilize government, undermine public safety
…orders withdrawal of personnel from non-essential duties
…Protest, but don’t infringe on rights of others, warns IGP
As the countdown to the much anticipated planned nationwide ##EndBadGovernance protest nears its end, which will be on Thursday, August 1st, the Inspector-General Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, today 27th of July, met with his tactical commanders, speaking tough and dishing out strategies on how to handle what he termed as “Anti-government protest.”
Egbetokun, who met with his men in the morning hours in a crucial conference, said the planned protest was not just anti-government and a threat to national security, but also stated that the planned protest was a move to destabilize the government and undermine public safety.
To this end, he instructed that his men across the nation should stand firm with their commands and further ordered the withdrawal of personnel from non-essential duties.
According to him, there is a provision in the law for peaceful assembly and protest, however, protesters should not allow their rights to infringe on the rights of others.
His words: “ It’s your right to protest, but in exercising that right, let it not infringe on the rights of others. For every right, there is a responsibility, ensure you exercise your right without denying the rights of other people.”
Addressing his men, Egbetokun said that the objective of the conference was to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the internal security situation, identify emerging threats, and develop effective countermeasures to strengthen our security posture.
He added: “I address you today with a sense of urgency and patriotic zeal, commending your vital contributions to national security and the ultimate sacrifices made during joint military operations.
“Despite achievements, persistent security challenges demand our swift and professional attention. This meeting is prompted by imminent anti-government protests posing a significant threat to national security. Our objective is to evaluate, discuss, and implement effective operational strategies to ensure public safety and security.
“While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, available intelligence suggests the planned protest is a deliberate attempt to destabilize the government and undermine public safety. We must leverage our expertise to develop and execute a robust plan addressing potential risks and challenges.”
He urged his men to be vigilant and prepare to prevent chaos, drawing lessons from the 2020 #EndSARS protests.
“Our paramount objective is to safeguard public safety, maintain law and order, and protect citizens’ rights and well-being. I direct you to withdraw personnel from non-essential duties, prioritize public order, and ensure sufficient armed personnel are on standby. As tactical Commanders, your operational tact is pivotal in navigating this complex situation,” said the IGP.
He further instructed: “Ensure personnel are thoroughly briefed and prepared, maintaining continuous contact with state commands for effective communication and coordination. Prioritize de-escalation techniques, and remember that force should always be a last resort.
“I emphasize the importance of professionalism, civility, and restraint, guided by the principles of justice and fairness. Let us embrace a proactive approach, anticipating potential threats and taking preventive measures.
“Strict adherence to established protocols, code of conduct, and the rule of law is paramount. Every officer’s actions have a profound impact, reflecting on the entire Police Force.”
