The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, says the police will manage the planned nationwide protest in the ‘most professional manner’.
Speaking in Abuja on Tuesday during a meeting with strategic police managers, which included officers from the rank of commissioners and above, he said the police are committed to ensuring the protection of citizens during the demonstration, and will not sit back and watch hoodlums burning down facilities in the name of protest.
According to him, maintaining law and order during the protest would not be difficult if the protesters remained peaceful.
There have been reports that some Nigerians, under different groups, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10 against the rising cost of living and the economic hardship in the country.
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While noting that violent protest is criminal, but peaceful protest is a right, he urged youths to shun those instigating violent protests, adding that some individuals have been calling for an imitation of demonstration in Kenya.
