‘It’ll be hijacked by criminals’ – Police Affairs Minister begs youths to shun planned protest

The Minister of State, Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has pleaded with youths in the country to shun the planned nationwide protest.

In a statement she signed on Sunday, the minister said she acknowledge the frustrations that drive the desire to protest but added that the narratives accompanying the planned protest, and its faceless nature, makes it look like those that often lead to destruction and chaos, which could set the nation back.

She called on Nigerians to exercise some patience in what she described as ‘ a painful process’ that is poised to birth a prosperous Nigeria.

The minister said, “Consider the power of peaceful engagement, dialogue, and collaboration over protest and confrontation.

“We have engaged you and other members of local communities in multiple ongoing town halls, we feel the pulse, we have taken stock, and we have now developed a transformative roadmap for reforming the Nigeria Police Force.

“We are working to see to the emergence of a world-class Nigeria Police Force that is fit for the 21st Century, inclusive, community-based, intelligence-led, and technologically driven, while excelling in maintaining public safety, upholding the rule of law, and fostering community trust through transparent and accountable practices.

“We are making significant progress in expanding the human and technical capability of the NPF. There is a commitment to recruiting over 40,000 young Nigerians into the Force over the next years, and the planned recruitment for 2024 is already at an advanced stage.

“Welfare has been improved to boost officers’ morale, and you can attest that there is an increasing level of discipline and professionalism in the Force.

“We have also partnered with the Ministry of Youths to create a platform for robust engagement between the NPF and the youth and serve as a grievance reporting channel.

“We have strengthened the Police Public Complaint Committee and enhanced the response time of the Complaint Response Unit of the NPF, both key platforms for lodging complaints against police officers from members of the public.

“We are closely monitoring complaints and ensuring closure in all cases. We urge you to engage with this team for any complaints or challenges relating to the NPF. Yes, our nation is at a crossroads, and we need your energy, creativity, and passion to drive positive change.

“But let us work together to find solutions that uplift and unite us rather than tear us apart.

“Protests can easily be hijacked by criminal elements, leading to unintended consequences, causing harm to people and property, and creating divisions that are difficult to heal.

“Instead, let us engage in constructive conversations, listen to each other’s perspectives, and work towards common goals.

“By our collective will and collaboration, we can build a Nigeria that we are all proud of, one that offers hope, opportunity, and justice for every citizen.”