Sowore’s planned Police protest ill-conceived, politically motivated – Youth Alliance
By Ukpono Ukpong
The Integrity Youth Alliance has described the planned police welfare protest announced by rights activist Omoyele Sowore as “ill-conceived and politically motivated,” warning that the move could destabilize national security and undermine law enforcement.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Kelvin Adegbenga, the group expressed deep concern over the intent, timing, and confrontational rhetoric that accompanied Sowore’s announcement, concluding that the protest was not genuinely aimed at advancing the interest of the Nigeria Police Force.
The Alliance emphasized that while it supports lawful advocacy for improved welfare for Nigerians, including police officers, it condemned what it described as a dangerous attempt to exploit sensitive institutions for political purposes.
“After a careful analysis of the intent, timing, and rhetoric surrounding the planned action, we have come to the conclusion that the protest is politically motivated and not genuinely in the interest of the Nigeria Police Force or national stability.
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“While the Alliance fully supports lawful advocacy for improved welfare and better working conditions for all Nigerians, including members of the Nigeria Police Force, we strongly condemn any attempt to exploit sensitive national institutions for personal or political gain.”
Questioning Sowore’s credibility, the group said it was “curious” that a man who had repeatedly attacked the police in his past campaigns now sought to lead a protest in their name.
“The sudden shift raises serious questions about his true motives, especially given the politicized language and confrontational tone of his announcement.
“This raises red flags and suggests an opportunistic ploy aimed at stirring public disorder and undermining the authority of the Federal Government.” Adegbenga added.
The group warned that the proposed protest appeared to be an opportunistic move aimed at creating public disorder and challenging the authority of the Federal Government under the guise of police welfare advocacy.
Citing legal provisions, the statement reminded the public that serving police personnel are prohibited by law from engaging in protests or industrial actions due to their role in maintaining national security and discipline.
“The Nigeria Police Force operates within a clearly defined legal framework that prohibits serving personnel from participating in protests or industrial actions, for reasons of national security and discipline.
“Any action that encourages or incites police officers to defy these laws is not only irresponsible but also dangerous to the fabric of law and order in the country.” Adegbenga said.
Calling for restraint, the Alliance urged civil society organizations, the police community, and Nigerians at large to reject what it described as a misleading and destabilizing campaign.
“We call on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society groups, and especially the police community, to reject this ill-conceived protest,” Adegbenga stated.
It further advised that police welfare issues should be addressed through dialogue and institutional reforms, rather than “politically charged street protests led by individuals with questionable intentions.”
Reaffirming its commitment to national unity and democratic stability, the Integrity Youth Alliance concluded by urging political actors to act in the national interest.
“We urge political actors to separate activism from destabilization and to act in the national interest at all times,” He said.
