PeakNews Online
Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has called on groups planning to participate in the upcoming nationwide protests to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, Egbetokun emphasized the importance of this measure to ensure the demonstrations remain peaceful.
“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest,” Egbetokun stated. “However, 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.”
Egbetokun outlined the specific information required from protest organizers: proposed protest routes and assembly points, expected duration of the protest, and names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers. Additionally, he mentioned the need for information on measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements and key identifiers for isolating potential troublemakers.
“By providing this information, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety,” Egbetokun added. “We need to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.”
Egbetokun also issued other guidelines for the protests: establishing clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise, and minimizing the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights,” Egbetokun concluded.
The police chief’s remarks come as various groups gear up for the proposed nationwide protests, emphasizing the need for coordination and cooperation to ensure the safety of all participants and the general public.
Joe
