The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it is a standard procedure to request details of protest organisers to ensure safety and prevent unlawful activities.
On Friday, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police
(IGP), asked organisers of the planned nationwide protest to submit their
details to their respective state commissioners.
The proposed youth-led nationwide protest is slated to
commence on August 1.
Egbetokun said the information will enable the police to
deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
However, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights activist and convener
of concerned Nigerians, said there was no provision in the constitution to
support the requests made by the IGP.
“When the constitution was conferring the right to protest
on the citizens, did the constitution give conditions for protests? Is the IG
trying to rewrite the constitution?” Adeyanju had told PUNCH.
“Is he trying to donate rights to the citizens or what? He
has no such powers. The constitution and other laws of the land do not give the
IG the power to dictate how citizens should protest.”
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force
spokesperson, said Egbetokun’s request was a routine measure to ensure a
peaceful and secure environment for protesters.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the 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 organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests,”
the statement reads.
“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers
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 defense, 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, sorrows, and tears as experienced in
the 2020 violent EndSARS protests.”
Adejobi said, “if organised labour and other recognised
bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer
environment for such public protests”.
He urged Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead the
public, adding that they should collaborate with authorities to maintain
national security and well-being.
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