By kawaekwune Jeffrey
Organisers of the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide demonstrations slated for August have rejected the proposal by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun for confined protests.
At a meeting with the organisers on Tuesday, the IGP suggested that protests be confined to identified locations and advised against street rallies.
“It is not advisable to go on street processions because as you are planning peaceful protests, some are planning violence,” Egbetokun cautioned.
However, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, one of the lawyers for the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organising the nationwide protests, rejected the proposal of the IGP.
It would be recall that the nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests, set to commence in August, have garnered significant attention due to widespread public dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies.
The movement, which draws parallels to previous large-scale demonstrations, has seen extensive mobilisation from various civic groups and activists.
The IGP’s proposal for confined protests comes amid concerns over potential violence and security breaches during the demonstrations. Historically, street processions have posed challenges for law enforcement agencies, often leading to clashes and disruption of public order.
Despite these concerns, organisers remain steadfast in their commitment to street processions, arguing that such actions are essential for drawing attention to their cause and ensuring broad public participation. The rejection of the IGP’s proposal highlights the tension between maintaining public safety and upholding the right to peaceful assembly.
The Take It Back Movement, along with other organising groups, insisted that street protests are a legitimate form of expression and an effective way to convey their message. They argued that confining protests to specific locations undermines the impact of their demonstration and limits their visibility.
As the August protests approach, the organisers’ determination to proceed with street processions underscores the ongoing debate over civil liberties and state security in Nigeria. The outcome of these protests will likely influence future public demonstrations and the government’s approach to managing civil unrest in the country.
[6:49 pm, 30/07/2024] Ambassador Of Thailand Oma Djebah: Ok
