‘Police not against protest but trying to avert sorrow, tears’

By Christopher Oji

Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, has said that the Nigeria Police Force under his watch was not stopping people from exercising their right to protest, but was trying to avert sorrow and tears.

The IGP, who was addressing the recent accusations made by an activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP was attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting for the details of the organizers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests, said It was vital to clarify that he has never denied the constitutional right of any citizen to freedom of association and expression, “but has, rather, at every point, emphasized the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression.”

The IGP, represented by the Force Public Relations Officer ( FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said, “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.

“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, sorrow 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.”