Inspector-general of Police (IGP) Olukayode Egbetokun has demised the accusations that it’s attempting to rewrite the structure by requesting for the small print of the leaders of all protesting teams, stating that it’s inside their job description to take action.
Reacting to accusations made by activist, Deji Adeyanju and others, alleging that the IGP is trying to rewrite the structure by requesting the small print of the organisers and leaders of the deliberate nationwide protests, the Nigeria Police stated requesting the small print of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests which embody location, interval, routes and many others, is an ordinary process to facilitate efficient communication, guarantee the security of all individuals, and stop any illegal actions.
The police additionally stated It’s important to know who’s planning the meeting (protests) in every state as permitting faceless teams to function unchecked may jeopardise the peace and stability of the nation.
A part of the assertion by the Police Excessive Command spokesperson, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, stated “The Nigeria Police Power hereby addresses the current accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others through numerous fora, alleging that the IGP is trying to rewrite the structure by requesting the small print of the organisers and leaders of the deliberate nationwide protests.
It’s critical to make clear that the IGP has by no means denied the constitutional proper of each citizen to freedom of affiliation and expression however has somewhat, at each level, emphasised that the precise is to peaceable meeting and expression. Additionally, the Nigeria Police is liable for making certain that any exercise, together with protests, doesn’t threaten nationwide safety.
“On this sensible, requesting the small print of protest organisers and their leaders and the schedules of their protests, together with location, interval, routes and many others, is an ordinary process to facilitate efficient communication, guarantee the security of all individuals, and stop any illegal actions. It is usually important for Deji Adeyanju to notice that within the curiosity of defence, public security, public order, public morality or public well being; or to guard the rights and freedom of different individuals as enshrined in Part 45 (1) of the 1999 Structure of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP just isn’t misplaced.”
The assertion additional added that “it’s important to know who’s planning the meeting (protests) in every state as permitting faceless teams to function unchecked may jeopardise the peace and stability of the nation, and go away us with pains, sorrows and tears as skilled within the 2020 violent EndSARS Protests. If organised labour and different recognised our bodies had been concerned, it will have offered a extra structured and safer setting for such public protests.
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“Whereas the police urge Mr. Adeyanju and different organisers to not mislead Nigerians. We due to this fact name on them to affix palms and work collectively to uphold the safety and well-being of our nation.”
In the meantime, the Kwara State Police Command yesterday warned that any particular person or group caught participating in acts of violence, looting, arson, or some other felony actions through the deliberate August 1, 2024 protest will face the complete wrath of the legislation.
The command stated it has deployed enough personnel and assets to observe the protest intently, whereas the surveillance models have been outfitted to determine and apprehend troublemakers swiftly.
“Anybody discovered instigating violence or trying to disrupt the peace will likely be arrested and prosecuted with out hesitation”, the police warned
In an announcement signed by its spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, the police command suggested folks with malicious intent to steer clear of the state through the peaceable protest slated for August 1, 2024.
It, nonetheless, suggested residents towards taking part within the deliberate protest.
The assertion added, ” The Commissioner of Police, Kwara State Police Command, CP Victor Olaiya needs to handle the general public concerning the approaching protest and essential steering to our esteemed residents who want to train their constitutional rights to a peaceable protest, in addition to situation a stern warning to people with malicious intent.
“The Kwara State Police Command needs to discourage residents from taking part within the protest and remind all individuals that if a peaceable protest ought to happen, any try by miscreants to hijack it for their very own egocentric ends won’t be tolerated.
“Our dedication to making sure public security and order stays unwavering. Any particular person or group caught participating in acts of violence, looting, arson, or some other felony actions will face the complete wrath of the legislation. The police have deployed enough personnel and assets to observe the protest intently, and our surveillance models are outfitted to determine and apprehend troublemakers swiftly. Anybody discovered instigating violence or trying to disrupt the peace will likely be arrested and prosecuted with out hesitation.
“The Kwara State Police Command is devoted to supporting the constitutional rights of all residents whereas sustaining peace and safety in our state. We urge neighborhood leaders and native vigilantes to cooperate with legislation enforcement companies to stop any breakdown of legislation and order. We name on all individuals to conduct themselves with dignity and accountability to make sure that the society stays peaceable and constructive.”
