To prepare for the upcoming nationwide protest set to commence on August 1, Organised Civil Society groups have released guidelines for protesters to ensure the protest against hunger and hardship in the country is successful.
The guidelines, as outlined in a statement by Olawale Okunniyi, Head of the Coordinating Secretariat of the United Action Front of Civil Society, were developed following a meeting with Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
Protesters are encouraged by the group to maintain civility and orderliness, and to not allow any individuals to incite or divert them from the protest’s objectives. They are also advised to use their phones to record any external aggression and share the recordings with the Civil Society Situation Room for Protest Ethics Monitoring.
Okunniyi also emphasized that protesters should refrain from carrying sharp objects or weapons to the protest venues, as such individuals will be handed over to security authorities.
The statement mentioned, “Participants in the protest rallies and processions are advised to be civil, disciplined, and committed, and not allow any parties to incite or derail them from the purpose and objective of the protest, which is to compel the government to address Hunger and Hardships in the nation
“Protesters are encouraged to bring along a small pack of water and snacks if possible and dress neatly. It is advised not to carry sharp, dangerous, or violent items or weapons to the protest site as anyone found in possession of such items will be apprehended and handed over to security officials or the protest oversight team for legal action.
“During the nationwide protests, citizens are urged to reach out to protest monitors at the organized Civil Society situation room for assistance via WhatsApp or the following hotlines: +23481-884-51511, +234 814 286 4904,+234 703 504 6101, +234 803 582 3617. Please be aware that the provided hotlines are for WhatsApp messages only”.
The group also called on the government and its representatives to “dissuade and warn those being mobilized to intimidate and threaten peaceful protesters to cease such actions to prevent unnecessary conflicts and disruptions for the peace and stability of Nigeria.”
He cautioned that any sponsored mobilization against the protesters could “potentially trigger another unwarranted unrest similar to the #EndSars crisis in Nigeria.”