This is according to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who briefed journalists in Abuja on Friday asking all groups planning to participate in the demonstrations to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
“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 police boss said.
The social media has been buzzed with the ‘End bad governance in Nigeria’ meant to hold across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT from August 1 to August 10. The development has forced President Bola Tinubu, state governors, security agencies and traditional rulers to urge youths to shelve their planned action and give the government time to address their concerns.
During the briefing, the IGP commended “patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.
He also expressed worry about the possibility of the protest being hijacked by criminal elements, explaining that the police authorities needed the necessary information to also identify potential troublemakers.
Egbetokun reiterated the police’s determination to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, saying the Force need to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
The IGP also released other guidelines to the protesters, among which were for them to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise 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.”
