The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, has warned that violent demonstration will have severe negative effects on the Nigerian society.
This is as he emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the protests scheduled for August 1.
He therefore called on Nigerians to cooperate with the Police to ensure that any forthcoming protests were peaceful and orderly.
The police chief made the remarks on Monday when he spoke on the planned nationwide protest.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun is quoted as having said economic hardship was not peculiar to Nigeria, but a global phenomenon.
“It is not only in Nigeria that there is hardship. It is a global meltdown. Is the government doing anything about it? Yes! This is what a responsive government will do,” stated the IGP.
He stressed that the government had been actively working to mitigate the impact and provide relief to the citizens.
READ ALSO: NCC orders reactivation of lines affected by NIN-SIM verification
Reflecting on the 2020 EndSARS protest, the IGP remarked, “Where police stations were burnt down, criminals took over. Arms looted were in the wrong hands, and armed robbers took over. Women could no longer walk freely once it is 7p.m.”
He warned that the destruction of police infrastructure led to a breakdown of law and order, leaving communities vulnerable to criminal activities.
“There are enough lessons to learn from previous violent protests in Nigeria,” the IGP continued, urging citizens to remember the chaos and suffering that followed such events.
“Serious dangers come with unchecked demonstrations,” he added, highlighting the potential for loss of lives, property damage, and widespread fear among the populace.
The IGP acknowledged the right to protest, stating, “The right to protest is a right to peaceful protest.”
He called on all Nigerians to exercise the right responsibly and to avoid actions that could escalate into violence.
Peaceful protests, he emphasized, were a powerful tool for expressing grievances and driving change without endangering lives and properties.
In conclusion, the IGP reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to protecting the rights of citizens while maintaining law and order.