A screenshot of the alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State was also posted by the Police.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has denied a viral WhatsApp message currently circulating on all social media platforms regarding the planned nationwide protests.
The Nigerian police said the message is not from the IGP.
A screenshot of the alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State was also posted by the Police.
Part of the message reads, “If you are going to join any protest next week, it’s good but ask yourself these questions: Why is Lagos always their target? How about starting from your state?”
However, the IGP in a statement issued on Sunday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi said the purported message making the rounds on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police”.
According to the statement, “the message, which poses several questions and opinions about protests, does not essentially represent the ideals or views of the Nigeria Police Force.
“We urge everyone to disregard this message and other similar contents purportedly from the NPF as the Force makes all communications via its official channels”.
Adejobi assured that the Nigeria Police Force “is committed to maintaining peace and order throughout the country. We do not endorse any message that could incite division, violence, or destruction.
“We encourage all Nigerians to engage in peaceful and constructive activities that would contribute to the progress and unity of our dear country”.
The IGP sternly warned that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts and punishable under the Cybercrime law.
Recall that Nigerians, particularly the youths, have scheduled a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th to draw the attention of the government to the prevailing hardship in the country.