Voice Air Media, News Update

Ahead of the nationwide protest against economic hardship in the country, the Nigeria Police High Command has urged citizens willing to stage any form of protest to immediately seek for permit from the Force and submit the necessary details including names and addresses of organisers for adequate protection.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr Olukayode Adeolu Egbetokun, said that this became so to enable the Police to make adequate security protection for such persons.

The IGP such request should be made through Commissioners of Police in the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

He however appealed to citizens to shun the upcoming nationwide protest in the national interest since all the levels of government were already addressing the issues in contention

According to him, the construction allows for peaceful protest and it is our duty to provide adequate security for citizens embarking on peaceful protest and not violent protest, we should not destroy our case, responsible citizens.

” As a responsible organization, we are ready to provide adequate security for citizens going for peaceful protest and not a violent one and we will do this through request from the citizens through the state Commissioners of Police in the State commands

“We already have insecurity in the country and we do not want the situation to be escalated, the wounds of the past violent protests are still very fresh and we should not allow the repeat.

He stated that intelligence reports indicated the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the proposed nationwide protest.

According to him, “We have been monitoring development surrounding protest threats. While some groups call for violent protests, emulating Kenya’s recent events, others advocate for peaceful demonstrations.

“However, some individuals promote peaceful protests with violent undertones, raising concerns about their sincerity. We have our history of violent protests in Nigeria, and I don’t believe we have to look to other countries to note the dangers of unchecked demonstrations. We commend patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.

“We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process. We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest. The Nigerian police urge all Nigerians to exercise caution and think twice before joining any protest group.

“We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. 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. To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information.

“The proposed protest routes and assembly points. 2. Expected duration of the protest. 3. Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers.

“4. Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers. By providing this information, the police will be enabled to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.

5. Designate specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

“6. Establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise. 7. Minimize the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity. We encourage all protestors 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.”

He urged the protesters to cooperate with policemen, adding that the police would be available to protect them.

According to him “We have done everything we need to do. We have put measures in place to ensure that there is no breakdown of law and order in case there is going to be any protest.

“And I just gave the guidelines that protest groups, groups who intend to protest, there are guidelines for them to follow. Once they follow this guideline, we are going to have it peaceful. So my appeal to Nigerians is to remain law-abiding.

“Those who insist that they must come out to protest, please cooperate with the police. The police will be there with you and protect you.”

This came just as the third Republic House of Representatives Forum called on those planning to take to the streets in protest against hardship to exercise restraint and be patient with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration

The forum led by Hon. Basil Okafor at a press conference held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja insisted that the President Tinubu-led administration has put in place measures to address the multifaceted challenges besetting the country remarked that protests remain an ill wind that blows nobody any good.

Calling on those planning the nationwide protest to retract their steps, the forum called on stakeholders need to engage in open, constructive dialogue, fostering understanding and empathy, even when faced with opposing viewpoints.

The forum noted: “Firstly, it is important to recognize that a tense society is often characterized by polarized opinions, conflicting ideologies, and deep-seated emotions. In such an environment, protests can easily become breeding grounds for violence and unrest.

“The frustration, anger, and resentment that lie beneath the surface can erupt into chaos, undermining the very purpose of the protest and causing harm to individuals and property.

“Secondly, the ills of protest in a tense society lie in the potential for manipulation and exploitation by various stakeholders. In times of tension and strife, extremist groups or political factions may exploit protests to further their own agenda.

“They may infiltrate peaceful demonstrations, incite violence, and spread misinformation, leading to a distortion of the original purpose of the protest and the dilution of its message.

“Furthermore, protests conducted in a tense society often result in a breakdown of communication and dialogue. Instead of fostering understanding and empathy, they deepen divisions and create an “us versus them” mentality.

“People from opposing sides become entrenched in their positions, refusing to listen or engage in meaningful conversation. The very essence of a protest the desire for change and progress becomes overshadowed by animosity and hostility.

“Lastly, another consequence of protests in a tense society is the negative impact on the economy and daily life. Protests that disrupt public transportation, block major roads, or damage infrastructure can have severe repercussions on businesses and individuals trying to go about their daily lives.

“The uncertainty and instability caused by protests can deter investment, hamper economic growth, and create long-term damage to the communities affected.”