The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations for Good Governance (CCSOGG) has condemned what it described as a “reckless and desperate” call by Sahara Reporters publisher and former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore, urging members of the Nigeria Police Force to join his planned protest scheduled for July 21, 2025.
In a statement released on Monday in Lagos, the coalition criticised Sowore’s call as “irresponsible and politically motivated,” accusing him of attempting to incite unrest within the nation’s security architecture under the guise of activism.
According to a statement signed by CCSOGG’s General Secretary, Comrade Olalekan Johnson, the coalition described the invitation extended to police officers as a calculated attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian Police Force and destabilise the country.
“Sowore’s action is not only unlawful and provocative, but it also constitutes a direct threat to national security. It is a desperate move by a man seeking political relevance through the back door,” the coalition stated.
The group expressed concern over what it described as a “growing trend of cyber-activism degenerating into open calls for insubordination and mutiny within the ranks of disciplined national institutions.”
They warned that no responsible democracy allows such incitement and urged the security agencies, particularly the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigeria Police Force, to take decisive action against what they called “subversive plots wrapped in protest rhetoric.”
CCSOGG reaffirmed its support for the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and the current leadership of the force, stating that the ongoing reforms under his tenure have contributed to national stability and institutional professionalism.
“Sowore has a long record of attempting to stir public disorder and discredit institutions of the state. His latest call for the police to abandon their duty posts and join a street protest is not activism; it is sabotage,” the statement added.
The coalition urged Nigerians to be wary of political actors “masquerading as human rights defenders” while working to destroy the foundations of democratic order.
They also called on the National Human Rights Commission and the National Orientation Agency to intensify public enlightenment on responsible civic engagement and the dangers of incitement.
