The inspector-general of police, Kayode Egbetokun, has warned that the proposed nationwide protest billed for August 1 is ill-advised and should be jettisoned.

Speaking at a meeting with commissioners of police in Abuja, on Tuesday, July 23, he said: “Some groups of people, self-appointed crusaders and influencers, have been strategising and mobilizing potential protesters to unleash terror in the land under the guise of replicating the recent Kenya protests.

While the force acknowledges the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in our constitution, we must ensure that these protests do not snowball into violence or disorder. As a nation, we have had more than our fair share of violent protests, with rather dastardly consequences.

The last protest led to one-tenth destruction of public assets, including police stations, courts, and transport infrastructure, and the loss of several lives.