Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has distanced himself from a WhatsApp message circulating on social media platforms regarding the planned nationwide protests.
A screenshot of the alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protests in Lagos State was earlier seen. The message stated, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”
However, in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the IGP clarified that the purported message circulating on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms did not originate from the police.”
The statement read, “The message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force. We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels.”
Adejobi assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction. We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country.”
The IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents” are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
It has been reported that Nigerians, particularly the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the government’s attention to the prevailing hardship in the country.
(cable)