… Says call for Egbetokun’s resignation is laughable
The Integrity Youth Alliance has condemned what it described as a misleading and baseless statement credited to a faceless group known as the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights over its praise of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, for his conduct during the #FreeNnamdiKanu protest held in Abuja on October 20, 2025.
In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Danjuma Lamido, on Wednesday, the Alliance said the so-called “indomitable courage” attributed to Sowore was, in reality, an exhibition of lawlessness and disregard for the rule of law.
According to the group, the Coalition’s commendation of such behaviour exposes its ignorance of the true meaning of human rights and its lack of respect for constituted authority.
“It is laughable that this faceless group has gone as far as calling for the resignation of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, over the lawful and professional handling of the protest,” the statement read. “Such a call only exposes their poor understanding of the duties of law enforcement agencies in maintaining public safety and national security.”
The Integrity Youth Alliance further noted that the use of teargas to disperse unlawful gatherings or prevent entry into restricted areas is a standard, globally accepted crowd-control measure used by police forces worldwide, including in advanced democracies.
The statement added that only a competent court of law can order the release of individuals arrested during protests, emphasising that no amount of propaganda or blackmail can override judicial processes in a democratic system governed by the rule of law.
Taking a swipe at the Edo State Civil Society Coalition for Human Rights, the Alliance described its portrayal of Sowore’s protest actions as “audacious and charismatic leadership” as “laughable”, claiming that Sowore fled the scene when the protest turned chaotic, leaving his followers behind.
“Their misplaced commendation only shows that the so-called Coalition was issuing statements from the comfort of a beer parlour rather than witnessing the events on the ground,” the statement added.
The Integrity Youth Alliance commended the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies for their professionalism, restraint, and adherence to global best practices in handling the protest, which, it said, prevented a potential breakdown of law and order in the Federal Capital Territory.
The Alliance reaffirmed its support for IGP Kayode Egbetokun’s leadership and urged Nigerians to disregard the antics of faceless groups attempting to undermine national security for political attention.
