THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Olukayode Egbetokun, has said the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) would respond to the August 1 planned protest by some Nigerians “in a most professional manner.”
Speaking at a meeting on Tuesday, July 23, in Abuja, with strategic Police managers, made up of officers from the rank of commissioners of Police and above to share intelligence from the various Police Commands in the country and analyse same for the security of the country, the IGP stated: “We are prepared and I want to assure you that we will manage the protest in the most professional manner.”
Egbetokun said the Police remain committed to provide security for those that would engage in peaceful protest, noting: “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 duty of maintaining law and order during the protest would not be a challenge if the protesters engaged in peaceful protest, except if the protest is violent, adding: “I have always said that the right to protest is right to peaceful protest.
“No civilised society will tolerate violent protest. Violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right.”
Egbetokun, therefore, called on youths to ignore anyone inciting them to violent protests.
