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The Inspector-General of Police (I-G), Kayode Egbetokun, has instructed Commissioners of Police (CPs) to ensure peaceful demonstrations during the protest organized by retired police officers regarding welfare on July 21.
This was communicated by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement from Abuja on Sunday.
The directive is applicable to Police Commands in states where official notification of the protest has been received.
The I-G has commanded the CPs to guarantee adequate security for those protesting, allowing them to express their grievances publicly.
He emphasized the importance of preventing any disruption of the protest by miscreants, political figures, or non-retired demonstrators.
Egbetokun encouraged the CPs to educate their officers on the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly and the need to show utmost respect for the retired officers.
Furthermore, he urged senior police officials to utilize the intelligence and operational resources of the force to protect lives, uphold public order, and preserve institutional integrity.
The I-G stressed that the protest, referred to as “the mother of all peaceful protests,” should not only be peaceful but also serve as a model of exemplary conduct.
He stated that it should represent a national standard for dignified expression of grievances and responsible management of public order, asserting, “We must demonstrate, through our actions and leadership, that the Nigeria Police Force is both professional and compassionate.”
