The Kogi State Commissioner for Police, Bethrand Onuoha, has called on the organizers of the planned nationwide protest on October 1st to exercise patience and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of Nigeria more time to address the nation’s economic challenges.
In a statement released by the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Williams Anya, Onuoha made this appeal following a meeting with the executive members of the “Take It Back Movement” at the command headquarters in Lokoja. He urged the group to reconsider their protest plans, emphasizing the need for calm during this critical time.
The statement noted, “Given the October 1st planned nationwide protest, the Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Police Command, CP Bethrand Onuoha, today (28th September 2024) engaged with the Executive of the ‘Take It Back Movement’ Kogi State Chapter at the Command Headquarters, Lokoja. The CP advised the group to reconsider their planned protest and give the government more time to fix the economy of our dear Nation.”
Onuoha highlighted that while the group has the right to protest under existing laws, it is essential to avoid any actions that could lead to unrest or violence. He stated, “To avoid playing into the hands of disgruntled elements and hoodlums… to prevent them from hijacking the process and unleashing mayhem on innocent citizens.”
The leader of the group assured the Commissioner that they would heed his advice, saying, “As enlightened and law-abiding youths in Kogi State, we accept your advice as a father and promise to remain committed to the peace, progress, and development of the State.”
The leader also mentioned that the group would convene to discuss the concerns raised by the Commissioner and work toward a reasonable resolution regarding their participation in the protest. “We commend the CP for the constructive engagement which has gone a long way to enlighten us on our responsibilities as youths who are leaders of tomorrow and vanguards for development.”
Present at the meeting were Deputy Commissioner of Police DCP Chike Louis Nwabuwa, along with other senior officers, and members of the Take It Back Movement, including Coordinator Mose Opeyemi and several others.
This engagement reflects ongoing tensions in Nigeria regarding economic issues and the role of protests in voicing citizen concerns.
