The Inspector General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun has distanced himself from a WhatsApp message currently making rounds on all social media platforms with regards to the planned nationwide protests slated to start on August 1.
IVNTV NEWS earlier sighted a screenshot of an alleged WhatsApp message from the IGP discouraging protest in Lagos State.
The message read in part; “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?”
Reacting to the message, the IGP, in a statement through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Sunday night dismissed the WhatsApp message.
He stated that the purported message making the rounds on “WhatsApp and other social media platforms, did not originate from the police.”
He said, “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, therefore, stated that the “spread of misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, or mischievous recycled contents”, are criminal acts. He warned that these crimes are punishable under the Cybercrime law.
Recall that Nigerian youths are planning a nationwide protest from August 1st to 10th. According to documents flying on social media platforms, the protest is to draw the attention of the government to the prevailing hardship in the country.
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