Video: Sowore leads protest in Abuja amidst tensions
Abdullateef Fowewe
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore led a protest in Abuja on Monday, as part of a nationwide demonstration against several national issues, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and economic hardship.
Video:
@dailyeconomy8 Sowore leads protest in Abuja amidst tensions Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore led a protest in Abuja on Monday, as part of a nationwide demonstration against several national issues, including the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and economic hardship. The protest, organised by the Take It Back Movement, coincided with the National Police Day, prompting a clash with the police. “We will not be silenced,” Sowore said, emphasising the determination of the protesters. Adding that “The government must address the grievances of Nigerians.” “We have told the police men in Nigeria that it is time for the police and the people to work together, so that they can improve their lives and working conditions as well.” Dailyeconomy on Sunday, reported that the Nigerian Police Force in a statement by its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged the protesters to reconsider, stating, “This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force, and it is important that the occasion is not overshadowed by potential unrest or confrontation. “While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security are to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats. “In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole. “The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.” However, despite the police warning, the protest proceeded, with tear gas used to disperse the crowd in the Maitama area.
The protest, organised by the Take It Back Movement, coincided with the National Police Day, prompting a clash with the police.
“We will not be silenced,” Sowore said, emphasising the determination of the protesters.
Adding that “The government must address the grievances of Nigerians.”
“We have told the police men in Nigeria that it is time for the police and the people to work together, so that they can improve their lives and working conditions as well.”
Dailyeconomy on Sunday, reported that the Nigerian Police Force in a statement by its spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi urged the protesters to reconsider, stating, “This is a day of national reflection and recognition for the force, and it is important that the occasion is not overshadowed by potential unrest or confrontation.
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security are to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.”
However, despite the police warning, the protest proceeded, with tear gas used to disperse the crowd in the Maitama area.
