THE Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says its call for the identities of those spearheading the planned nationwide protests, billed to commence on Thursday 1st August 2024 is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.
It said, “If organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests”, adding that, “allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent #EndSARS protests”.
The Police Force, in reaction to the allegation by a rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, to the effect that the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, was ‘trying to re-write the Constitution’ with regard to protests, stated that it is within its purview to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.
A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, reads thus: “The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the 1999 Constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.
“It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasized that the right is to peaceful assembly and expression.
“Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.
“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers and their leaders, and the schedules of their protests, which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.
“It is also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defence, public safety, public order, public morality or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.
“It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardize the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent #EndSARS protests.
“If organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests”.
The statement, however, urged Adeyanju and other organisers of the protests to join hands in working together, to uphold the security and well-being of Nigeria, rather than misleading the public with their baseless accusations.
Eighteen-Eleven Media