Police to critics: Requesting details of protest organizers, a standard procedure

The Nigeria Police Force has responded to critics over requesting for the details of planned national protest organisers, saying its a standard procedure to facilitate effective communication, ensure the safety of all participants, and prevent any unlawful activities.

According to the statement released by the Force on Sunday over recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting the details of the leaders of the planned nationwide protests.

Media Bypass News had earlier reported that the IGP, Kayode Egbetokun urged all groups planning to participate in proposed national protest to submit details to Commissioners of Police in their respective states to ensure the demonstration is peaceful.

In the statement issued, the Police said, “It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasized that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression.
“Also, the Nigeria Police holds 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 schedules of their protests which include location, period, routes etc, is a standard procedure”, the police added.

It lectured the activist while noting that in the interest of defence, public safety and order, public morality, public health; or for 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.

The Police further stated that it’s essential to know who is planning the protests in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked which could jeopardize the peace, stability of the country, and leave nigerians with pains, sorrows 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”, the Police said.

The Nigeria Police Force urged the said activist, 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”.

Report gathered that the planned protests, projected against high cost of living, security among other issues, is scheduled for August 1-10, which has been subject of discussion over the past weeks, although no group has claimed responsibility as the organisers of the protest.