The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, has issued a directive to senior police officers across Nigeria to ensure the protection of participants in the #EndBadGovernance protests scheduled from August 1-10, 2024. This significant move comes after human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), requested police protection for the protesters.
In a letter dated July 29, 2024, signed by his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola, the Inspector General of Police emphasized the necessity of safeguarding the demonstrators. This directive is seen as a proactive step to prevent any potential violence during the protests and to uphold the rights of citizens to peaceful assembly.
Human Rights Lawyer’s Advocacy
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, a prominent human rights lawyer, wrote to the police chief on July 28, 2024, underscoring the importance of police protection for the hunger protesters. Adegboruwa highlighted the potential threats to the safety of the demonstrators and stressed the need for a secure environment where citizens can express their grievances without fear of harassment or violence.
The police chief’s letter confirmed that the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police (CPs) in charge of State Commands across Nigeria have been instructed to comply with Adegboruwa’s request. Additionally, Egbetokun has requested a meeting with Adegboruwa at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to discuss the matter further and ensure that all necessary measures are in place for the protesters’ protection.
Enhanced Security Measures
This directive comes at a time of heightened security concerns in Nigeria. There have been reports of increased security measures being implemented nationwide, particularly in prisons, to prevent any potential jailbreaks during the protests. The hunger protests, which aim to draw attention to issues of governance and economic hardship, have garnered significant attention and support from various quarters.
In related news, an ADC lawmaker has threatened to leave his party over an attack on President Tinubu, highlighting the political tensions surrounding the protests. Furthermore, Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has appealed to Nigerians to reconsider participating in the hunger protests, urging for a more constructive dialogue to address the issues at hand.
The directive from Inspector General Egbetokun underscores the police’s commitment to maintaining public order while respecting the rights of citizens to peaceful protest. By providing protection to the demonstrators, the police are acknowledging the legitimacy of their concerns and supporting their right to voice these concerns safely.
The proactive stance taken by the police chief is aimed at mitigating any potential conflicts during the protest period. It is hoped that with adequate police presence and protection, the protests will remain peaceful and orderly, allowing the demonstrators to make their voices heard without fear of violence or intimidation.
Broader Implications for Governance and Reform
The #EndBadGovernance protests reflect a growing dissatisfaction with the current administration and broader calls for accountability and reform in Nigeria. By ensuring the safety of protesters, the police are playing a crucial role in supporting democratic principles and the rule of law. Moreover, this move is expected to have broader implications for governance and reform in Nigeria, as it highlights the importance of protecting citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression.
As Nigeria prepares for these significant protests, the focus remains on ensuring a peaceful and orderly process. The police chief’s directive is a positive step toward achieving this goal, demonstrating a commitment to both security and human rights.
Source: Punch
