Police defend request for protest organizers’ details
Police defend request for protest organizers’ details
Abdullateef Fowewe
The Nigeria Police Force has denied the allegations of constitutional violations, claiming that they operate within legal boundaries.
The clarification came after the human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju accused the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun that he is trying to rewrite the constitution by asking the protest organisers to submit their details.
It would be recalled that the IG, on Friday, July 26, 2024, directed the protest organisers to submit their details, proposed routes and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
Reacting to the allegation on Sunday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated that the IG has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but rather he campaigned is the right to peaceful assembly and expression.
Adejobi in the statement emphasised that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.
Adejobi stated, “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 organized labour and other recognized bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests.”
Police urged Adeyanju and other organisers 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,” Adejobi added.
