The Kogi State Police Command has called on the organisers of the planned October 1 protest to allow President Bola Tinubu additional time to address the nation’s pressing challenges.
According to Vanguard newspaper, the state’s Public Relations Officer, Williams Anya, stated that this appeal was made by Commissioner Bethrand Onuohaafe shortly after a meeting with the protest organizers at the state command.
The Commissioner of Police urged the organisers to exercise patience and to allow the Federal Government to address the economy and other related issues.
The Vanguard quoted the statement read in part, “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 ‘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. He further stated that he called for the engagement meeting in response to their letter received on 27 September 2024.”
The commissioner affirmed that the group possesses the right to engage in peaceful protest as guaranteed by existing laws.
However, he cautioned them against falling victim to the schemes of disgruntled individuals or hoodlums.
He urged the protesters to take proactive measures to prevent any potential hijacking of their demonstration by disruptive elements, which could lead to chaos, endanger innocent citizens, and result in the destruction of property and critical infrastructure.
The commissioner said such incidents could have severe negative repercussions on the nation’s economy.
In response, the leader of the group assured the commissioner that they woulduld be law-abiding and appreciated his advice.
While regarding the commissioner as a paternal figure, he pledged the group’s’s commitment to the peace, progress, and development of the state.
He also said the executive members of the group would convene to discuss the issues raised by the CP and work towards a thoughtful resolution regarding their involvement in the upcoming protest.
The group leader commended the CP for his constructive engagement, noting that it has significantly enlightened them about their responsibilities as youths and future leaders, as well as their role as advocates for development.
