In a notable move addressing growing public dissatisfaction, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun has ordered top police officials to safeguard participants of the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protest scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024. This decision follows a contentious demand from the police for personal details of protesters, which met with widespread resistance.

The police had initially justified the request as a standard safety measure, yet the public outcry underscored a mistrust rooted in past experiences. The IGP' s revised directive, conveyed in a letter to renowned human rights lawyer Ebun- Olu Adegboruwa, indicates a shift in stance to support the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

WATCH VIDEO

The initial demand for personal details of protesters came under severe scrutiny. Many viewed it as an attempt to intimidate potential demonstrators and curtail the freedom to protest. The police' s defense, labeling the requirement as a precautionary step to ensure public safety and prevent unlawful acts, failed to assuage these fears.

In response to this backlash, IGP Egbetokun, through his Principal Staff Officer CP Johnson Adenola, communicated a new directive to senior police officers across Nigeria. This order ensures protection for the demonstrators, reflecting a commitment to uphold citizens' rights amid increasing economic distress and social unrest.