Hours before the planned protest against hunger and bad governance, the Nigerian Police Force in Lagos has displayed a show of force.
In a video making rounds on social media, men of the force are seen marching swiftly on the Lekki- Ikoyi Link Bridge on Wednesday.
The Inspector of Police on Monday had ordered top police officials to protect participants of the planned #EndBadGovernance protest slated for August 1 to 10, 2024.
He made this statement in response to a letter written by human rights lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa on behalf of the
Take It Back Movement, one of the groups planning the protest, to request police coverage for protesters.
He said “I am to inform you that the IGP has directed the Deputy Inspectors- General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, AIGs, in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters and the Commissioners of Police, CPs, in charge of State Commands across Nigeria, to attend to your request.”
However, the senate president, Godswill Akpabio, faced heavy backlash after joking about ‘eating while Nigerians protest’ while addressing delegates of the Niger Delta Development Commission in Rivers State.
He said, “All of us feel the impact of what is happening now. But we are aware it will be for a short while. MD, I want to thank you for what you said. You said we are not interested in regime change; let us own this government.
“Those who want to protest can protest, but let us be there eating — I must thank the Niger Delta.”
The show of force by the police officers in Lagos has however generated reactions from Nigerians on social.
An X user, @Uneks, ACA in his opinion wrote, “I wish we can replicate this against the bandits that are all over our ungoverned spaces and killing our our people!”
Reacting too, @Brockfromtheeast wrote, “This is soo unnecessary man ..Most if these officers never even chop ..
Just wasting man power for nothing.The so called protest would even benefit them in the long run ..”
Speaking about the welfarism of the officers, @Dwumz said “Some of them probably couldn’t even give their families feeding allowance today due to the current hardship in the country but see them”
On the other hand, @bido wrote, “If you’re smart, protest in peace. However, if you’re dumb, bring violence and chaos, you kpai in vain. But remember, Sowore who is inciting violence, rage and destruction (in conjunction with IPOB) is in the US with his family chilling !! #StaySafe #DontPlay 😎😎.”
@olusola Taofeek also said “Because of protest see full deployment of MoPol, if nah to go combat crime now, fuel will finish for their car.”
See video below:
