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Police Clarify Stance On Request For Protest Organizers’ Details
The Nigerian Police have clarified that their request for protest organizers’ details is a standard procedure to ensure safety and effective communication, not an attempt to undermine constitutional rights.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigerian Police Force has clarified its stance on the request for details of Nigerians planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest slated for August 1-10, 2024.
In a statement on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, refuted allegations that the police are attempting to undermine constitutional rights by requesting information about protest organizers.
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ACP Adejobi emphasized that the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, fully supports citizens’ rights to freedom of association and expression, but stressed the importance of ensuring peaceful assembly.
According to Adejobi, requesting details from protest organizers is a standard procedure aimed at facilitating effective communication, ensuring the safety of all participants, and preventing any unlawful activities.
He further noted that allowing unidentified groups to organize protests without oversight could jeopardize the nation.
The statement read, “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 Constitution by requesting the details of the organizers 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 that 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 organizers 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.
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“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 organized labour and other recognized bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.
“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.”
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