By Vincent Kalu
Solicitors to the Take it Back Movement, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, has written to the Inspector-General of Police seeking coverage during the nationwide protest planned by the group from August 1 to 10th.
In a letter dated on Friday, July 26, 2024, entitled: “Notice of Public Meetings/Rallies/Processions and Request for Police Coverage”, the lawyer asked for police protection for all its members and other patriotic Nigerians and organisations that would participate in the protest in the all the 36 state capitals and the 774 headquarters.
“This application is made pursuant to sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and also section 83 of the Police Act, 2020, the latter which provides as follows:
“83 (1) The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order.
(2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1): (a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws; (b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and (c)be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations.
(4)Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilize personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.
“The meetings/rallies/processions will commence from August 1 to 10, 2024 or any time thereafter at Eagle’s Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states of the Federation and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils, commencing from 8am continuously until the end thereof.
“The meetings/rallies/processions may extend to and cover public highways and other locations of public access.
“We will be glad to have the details of any police officer or police team that you may assign to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions in order to harmonise the plans and strategies of the said public meetings/rallies/processions.
“While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry.”