#EndBadGovernaceProtest: 10 ways to remain safe during protests

As the nation gears up to witness the beginning of the 10-day- hunger protest on Thursday, the safety of all during protests remains paramount.

The protest, which is scheduled to be held from August 1-10 across the 36 states of the Federation, including the Federal Capital Territory, seeks to force the government to address the harsh economic realities bedevilling the populace.

However, engaging in any protest requires some preparations that you must note as it’s easy to become carried away with the agitation.

Therefore, in this piece, PUNCH Online highlights some key tips to stay safe before, during and after a protest:

• Know why you’re protesting: If you plan to join in any protest, you must not be caught off-guard on why you joined in the first place. Typically, for any Nigerian, Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others.
• Ensure you know the assembly point before the protests begin, and familiarise yourself with all possible routes throughout the protest.
• Keep your identity card with you.
• To stay hydrated, ensure you carry enough water with you in a bag, and put some snacks in your bag to eat. If you have any health concern, like Asthma, kindly take your inhaler along.
• Use a nose mask in case security operatives fire tear gas. Keep a hand sanitiser in your bag to be used at intervals.
• Put on light clothes and sneakers to ease your movement.
• Keep your mobile phone fully charged and also carry a power bank with you. Having enough airtime on your line(s) is advisable.
• While it’s safe to stay in groups, you should also be wary of the people and activities in your surroundings. Always stay alert.
• Obey the protest organisers and leaders. Don’t go against their directives.
• Do not taunt any security official simply because you have the constitutional right to protest.

Olayiwola Ajisafe

Ajisafe is a multimedia journalist and digital copy editor with over four years experience

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