The Nigerian Police Force has set the record straight over the request for details of Nigerians planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1-10, 2024....CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING.>>
9jalead reports that the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyi Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday, denied the accusation of trying to rewrite the constitution over the request for protest organisers’ details.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Adejobi stated that the Police IGP, Olukayode Egbetokun, never denied citizens the right to freedom of association and expression but emphasised the need for peaceful assembly and expression.
According to him, the request for details of protest organisers is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.
The Police boss added that allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country and leave citizens with pains, sorrows and tears, as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests
The Nigeria Police Force responded to accusations from activist Deji Adeyanju and others, who claimed that the IGP is trying to alter the Constitution by requesting details about protest organizers and leaders. The Police clarified that the IGP supports citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression but must ensure that protests do not threaten national security.
Requesting details about protest organizers, leaders, and schedules is a standard practice to ensure effective communication, participant safety, and prevent unlawful activities. This request aligns with Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which allows such measures for defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health, as well as to protect others’ rights and freedoms.
Identifying the organizers of protests in each state is crucial to maintaining peace and stability, as allowing unaccountable groups to operate could lead to unrest similar to the 2020 EndSARS Protests. Involvement of organized labor and recognized bodies could ensure a more structured and safer protest environment.
While the Police urges Mr. Adeyanju and other organizers not to mislead Nigerians. We therefore call on them to join hands in working together to uphold the security and well-being of our nation.”
