NATIONWIDE PROTESTS: IGP alleges involvement of foreign mercenaries, as more groups vow to participate

*Demands details, contacts of organisers, partakers

*Deploys 4200 men to FCT

BY ORIAKU IJELE

The Nigeria Police Force and sister security agencies are not leaving anything to chance in their bid to forestall any breakdown of law and order during the proposed 10 day nationwide protests, slated for August 1 to August 10.

As tension continues to heighten, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, yesterday proclaimed that some foreign mercenaries were involved in pushing the planned protests in Nigeria, and this is coming barely 2 days after the Department of State Security, DSS said it had unmasked the sponsors of the proposed protests, as well as their funding lines.

According to the IGP, Credible information at the disposal of the Nigeria Police Force revealed that some foreign mercenaries are involved in the planned nationwide protest. “We note those who have spoken out against any form of protest at this critical juncture, fearing enemies of our country may be manipulating the process. We confirm their fears are genuine, as we have credible intelligence on foreign mercenaries’ involvement in this planned protest,” the police boss said.

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During the briefing, the IGP commended “patriots who have withdrawn from the protest due to the apparent sinister motives and ignorance of those calling for violence.

He however expressed worry about the possibility of the protest being hijacked by criminal elements, explaining that the police authorities needed the necessary information to also identify potential troublemakers.

Egbetokun reiterated the police’s determination to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety, saying the Force need to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.

The IGP also released other guidelines to the protesters, among which were for them to “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.

“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.”

In the past one week, the social media has been trending with ‘End bad governance in Nigeria’ meant to hold across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT from August 1 to August 10. The development has forced President Bola Tinubu, state governors, security agencies and traditional rulers to urge youths to shelve their planned action and give the government time to address their concerns.

In a related development, many groups have been writing to the Police for protection as they intend to join in the protests. Renowned activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) on Friday notified security agencies, requesting protection over planned public meetings, rallies, and processions by a non-governmental body, the Take It Back Movement, its members, some patriotic Nigerians and groups.

In the letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, the senior advocate writing as solicitor to the Take It Back Movement notified the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) that the planned rallies would commence from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter.

He said the rallies would be held at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.

Adegboruwa while reiterating the role of the security agencies during such rallies and protests, urged the leadership of the security agencies to make available the details of any of their officers or teams that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.

Meanwhile journalist and former presidential aspirant in the PDP, Dele Momodu has equally made a special appeal to President Bola Tinubu to do all within his ability to demonstrate that he is a democrat at this auspicious time. In his public letter, Momodu wrote: “Your Excellency, for the second time within two weeks, I’m compelled to write you this epistle. As I write this, my mind goes back to my earliest recollection of you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a young journalist, you were everyone’s delight. The June 12 Presidential election annulment brought out the best in you as a pro-democracy figure. You spent money and time fighting the military. Our exile years were lived in constant fear and trepidation.

“Fast forward Sir. We returned to Nigeria in 1998, you contested the Lagos State Governorship election in 1999, and pronto, you won. Since then, you have been in absolute control of a state described as the California of Africa, and possibly the sixth richest economy in Africa. Lagos is a country on its own…. I’m just trying to let you know that you’ve been a President in Lagos for 24 years before becoming the President of Nigeria.

“Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realised your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank Sir. You caused it all. You did not realise that a country is much more complicated than a State.

“I’m sad and embarrassed that a fighter for Democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.

“I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. But I’m reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud, since our secret service claims to have discovered the sponsors of mayhem. Such people should be arrested speedily.

“Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship…

“You’re in my prayers as you bear this cross…”