… Advocate for violence free demonstration.
The Nigerian political landscape is currently tense with the planned nationwide #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled for August 1, 2024. The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has issued guidelines requiring organizers to submit details of their protests to local police. This move, aimed at preventing the hijacking of demonstrations by criminal elements, has been met with criticism from opposition parties and activists.
The opposition, including the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), argues that these directives infringe on constitutional rights. They accuse the government of trying to suppress dissent and warn that excessive restrictions could backfire.
Conversely, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) defends the government’s position, stating that the measures are intended to ensure peaceful protests and maintain public order. The APC asserts that the government is committed to addressing citizens’ grievances while upholding the law.
Human rights activists and some protest organizers view the police directives as attempts to intimidate and stifle legitimate protests, insisting that citizens have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly. They emphasize the importance of adhering to democratic principles while also calling for greater protection for protesters against potential violence and harassment.
As the protest date approaches, the debate continues over the balance between maintaining public order and safeguarding democratic freedoms.