The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, has stated the Nigerian police readiness to respond to the August 1 nationwide protest.
According to the police boss, the Nigeria Police would respond to the Aug. 1 planned protest by some Nigerians, “in a most professional manner.”
Egbetokun stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with Strategic Police Managers. The managers consisted of officers from the rank of Commissioners of Police and above.
Addressing the officers, the IGP said the meeting was to share intelligence from the various Police Commands in the country. And to also analyze the same for the security of the country.
He said, “So, we are prepared, and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest most professionally.”
Egbetokun added that the police would remain committed to providing security for those that would engage in peaceful protest.
He stated that, “If the protest is peaceful, you will see us protecting the protesters. As long as they remain peaceful.
“But we have a duty to protect lives and property. So, we will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest.
“So, we are not against peaceful protest. We will support peaceful protest by protecting those who will engage in peaceful protest,” he said.
The police boss, however, stated that maintaining law and order during the protest would not be a challenge if the protesters engaged in peaceful protest.
He added that it becomes a challenge if the protest is violent. “And I have always said that the right to protest is right to peaceful protest.”
“No civilized society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”
Egbetokun, therefore, called on Nigerian youths to ignore anyone inciting them to engage in violent protests.
source: Vanguard
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