The National Coordinator of the Integrity Youth Alliance, Kelvin Adegbenga, has accused activist Omoyele Sowore of mishandling a protest by retired police officers, saying his approach undermined what could have been a major push for improved welfare for police pensioners.
Adegbenga noted that expectations were high when Sowore announced plans to lead a demonstration in support of better welfare for members of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). However, he argued that the initiative quickly lost focus and public trust.
“The results have told a different tale—one of missed opportunities, conflicting interests, and eroding public confidence. What began as a commendable cause soon lost its strategic clarity and moral compass,” Adegbenga said.
Political undertones overshadowed core goals
Adegbenga acknowledged that Sowore’s initial call resonated with many Nigerians, as it spotlighted the poor working conditions, low salaries, and inadequate resources faced by rank-and-file officers. Sowore, he said, initially appeared to champion justice and police welfare.
“However, it did not take long for political undertones to overshadow the core objectives,” Adegbenga stated. He added that civil society groups and pro-police bodies like the Integrity Youth Alliance believed the protest was less about police reforms and more about advancing anti-government rhetoric.
“The timing, tone, and confrontational language led many to view the demonstration as part of a broader political campaign rather than a sincere call for institutional reform,” he explained.
Lack of police support weakened credibility
Adegbenga highlighted the absence of endorsement from the Nigeria Police Force as the protest’s biggest flaw.
“The very institution it claimed to support did not formally approve or back the protest. In fact, many law enforcement officers and public relations officials distanced themselves from the campaign, questioning its legitimacy,” he said.
Instead of building alliances with police welfare groups or initiating dialogue with stakeholders in the security sector, Adegbenga said Sowore’s approach alienated those it sought to represent. This disconnect, he argued, weakened the protest’s credibility and momentum.
Social media activism over substance
The Integrity Youth Alliance coordinator also criticised the heavy reliance on social media rhetoric and sporadic street action.
“These methods, while dramatic, rarely lead to lasting institutional change. What was needed was inclusive forums and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Missed opportunity
“In conclusion, Sowore’s police protest began with the potential to highlight one of Nigeria’s deepest security flaws—poor police welfare,” Adegbenga remarked. “Unfortunately, that potential was squandered due to political confrontation, weak strategy, and failed messaging. Future campaigns must focus on dialogue, clear objectives, and genuine engagement with stakeholders.”
Sowore alleges theft of Ray-Ban glasses
Following the protest, Sowore claimed that his Ray-Ban AI smart glasses were stolen during the demonstration at the Police Headquarters in Abuja.
In a post on his Facebook page, he accused Aku Victor Chiemere, a cameraman under the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Muyiwa Adejobi, of taking the item.
“This act is not only criminal but also a reprehensible abuse of office. I demand the immediate return of my property and the prosecution of both CSP Adejobi and Chiemere for theft, conspiracy, and official misconduct,” Sowore wrote.
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