The organizers of the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests, set for August, have turned down a proposal by Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun to hold the demonstrations in designated areas instead of on the streets.
During a meeting with the organizers on Tuesday, IGP Egbetokun suggested holding the protests in specific, confined locations. He warned against street protests, noting, “Street processions are risky as, while you plan peaceful protests, others might plan violence.”
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), a lawyer for the Take It Back Movement, one of the groups organizing the protests, dismissed the IGP’s suggestion.
The virtual meeting was attended by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), other lawyers, civil society organizations, and key figures in the protest planning.
The protests, which are in response to economic hardship, are scheduled to take place across all states in Nigeria, including the capital, Abuja, in August. This movement has gained significant support on social media.
Recently, the prices of food and essential goods have skyrocketed, as Nigerians face severe inflation and economic challenges. These issues stem from the government’s decisions to remove petrol subsidies and unify foreign exchange rates.
Security forces, including the police, military, and the Department of State Services, have warned against protests similar to those in Kenya. Politicians have also urged youths to cancel the rallies, fearing they might resemble the EndSARS protests of October 2020. However, the young organizers remain determined to proceed.
On July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa wrote to the IGP, requesting police protection for the protesters. In response, the IGP directed senior police officers to address Adegboruwa’s request and scheduled a meeting with him in Abuja on July 30, 2024, to discuss further.
Instead of meeting in person, Adegboruwa chose a virtual meeting, involving Falana, NBA members, and others. He outlined the proposed protest locations, including Eagle Square in Abuja, Alausa Park in Lagos, Akpakpava Lane in Benin City, School of Agric in Bauchi, Rosewale Filling Station on Iwo Road in Ibadan, Maiduguri Roundabout in Damaturu, Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium in Rivers, and Freedom Park in Osogbo.
