Police urge civil societies on patriotism in advocacy

The Nigerian Police Force has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to exhibit greater patriotism, emphasizing the need to unite in addressing national challenges. The Force Public Relations Officer, Prince Muyiwa Adejobi, made the plea on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the report, ‘Beyond the Protests: An Explanatory Study of the #EndBadGovernance protest […]

The Nigerian Police Force has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) to exhibit greater patriotism, emphasizing the need to unite in addressing national challenges.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Prince Muyiwa Adejobi, made the plea on Friday in Abuja during the unveiling of the report, ‘Beyond the Protests: An Explanatory Study of the #EndBadGovernance protest in Nigeria’, organised by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI).

Adejobi, represented by Deputy Force PRO Victor Isuku, noted the importance of maintaining a sense of national loyalty in advocacy efforts.

“It is only one Nigeria that we have. Playing to external or international influences will not help us. Civil society organizations must prioritize conflict-sensitive communication and refrain from actions that may escalate tensions.

“They should be seen as partners in moving the country forward,” he stated.

He equally urged CSOs to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders in addressing the country’s challenges, emphasizing that creating solutions rather than additional problems should be their focus.

Speaking earlier at the event, KDI Executive Director, Mr Bukola Idowu highlighted the organic nature of protests, saying they are as a direct response to government policies or decisions that leave citizens feeling aggrieved.

“This protest, alongside others such as #EndSARS, has showcased the remarkable power of civic action in shaping the future of our nation.

“Protests are one way people express themselves,” Idowu stated. “While they can bring about change, not all protests lead to violence.

“Our report documents these events to understand their impacts and explore ways to advance the demands raised during protests beyond street demonstrations,” Idowu said.

He added that the evolution of protests, driven by social media, has changed the dynamics of mobilization and advocacy.

He stated, “We need to create synergy between online and offline efforts to drive meaningful social change, noting that the upcoming youth conferences would further explore this shift.

“The importance of this study cannot be overstated. Nigeria has a history of protests dating back to the colonial era; however, recent movements have demonstrated that protests are not merely expressions of dissent but powerful catalysts for social change.

“This report transcends being a mere research output; it is a clarion call to action. We aspire for our findings to inform policy decisions, guide advocacy efforts, and inspire ordinary citizens to actively engage in promoting good governance, human rights, and social justice.”

Also, a professor of political and economic history, Prof. Adetunji Ogunyemi, stressed the government’s role in ensuring that peaceful protests are not hijacked by hoodlums.

“Most violent protests are instigated by hoodlums.The government has a duty to prevent violence and provide police monitoring to ensure peaceful demonstrations,” Ogunyemi said.