The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has issued a stern warning to the public against sharing false and unverified information on social media and other platforms during the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests starting August 1, 2024.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Force Public Relations Officer Muyiwa Adejobi announced that the IGP has directed police personnel to take necessary measures to prevent the spread of fake news.
The warning was issued during a virtual conference with senior police officers nationwide, where the IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the protests.
He said, “With much emphasis, the IGP issued a stern warning against the spread of fake news via various media platforms, charging officers to put in necessary emplacements to manage this, and advising members of the public to shun the spread of unverified contents on social media.”
Mr Adejobi stated that Mr Egbetokun also warned Nigerians against “unplanned protests and unnecessary street processions” capable of causing the breakdown of law and order, insisting that protests in confined places are the best option to prevent the destruction of public infrastructures and other properties.
Acknowledging the democratic rights of peaceful demonstrations, Mr Adejobi urged officers to be vigilant against hijacking of the protest and ensure that they do not turn violent.
He urged officers to maintain a high level of alertness and professionalism within the force, noting that the country’s safety and security depend on their vigilance, gallantry, and readiness and that of other security agencies.
The police chief’s warning aims to prevent the dissemination of misinformation that could fuel tensions and compromise public safety during the demonstrations.
