June 12: Police Warns Against Protest in Anambra

SPOTLIGHTS

• Complete ban on all protests on Democracy Day
• Police warn of strict action against those who disobey
• Security operatives to be deployed statewide to ensure order
• CP Itam calls for cooperation and peaceful celebration

From Emmanuel Uzor, Awka

Ahead of the June 12 Democracy Day celebration, the Anambra State Police Command has declared that there will be no room for protests of any kind across the state as the country marks the return of democracy.

Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, assured all law-abiding citizens in the state to go about their lawful businesses and disregard threats of planned protests to disrupt the Democracy Day celebration.

CP Itam, through a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command would deal ruthlessly with any miscreants who try to disrupt the peace of the state.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, urges Ndi Anambra and residents alike to dissociate themselves from any act that threatens our public peace and national unity. He reiterates that the Command shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and the right to the dignity of human persons.

“This affirmation is given after a critical threat analysis by the Command based on information and intelligence reports of persons and groups mobilising for a protest on June 12, 2024, Democracy Day – a day mapped out to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the country.

“The Police envisage that the protest is capable of grounding all commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic in the State.

“The Command, while noting the right of individuals or groups to advocate for any interest, wishes to emphasise the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities. [The Command has] deployed Police Operatives to different strategic areas, tasked with the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property, the free flow of traffic, and most especially, a peaceful environment.

“CP Itam, while wishing Ndi Anambra a Happy Democracy Day celebration, commended their cooperation and their resolve in sustaining the message of peace and standing up against any act that threatens our public peace.

“He also encourages the good people of the State to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to continue to partner with and support the Police and other security agencies, to synergise and collaborate towards combating all forms of criminality as well as ensuring public security and safety in the state.”