The Nigeria Police Force has clarified the reasons behind its request for details from organisers of the proposed nationwide protests, aimed at addressing economic hardship in the country.
On Friday, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun directed protest organisers to submit their details, proposed routes, and assembly points to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
This directive has sparked controversy, with organisers accusing the IGP of overstepping his constitutional bounds.
Deji Adeyanju, one of the organisers, reportedly criticized the IGP’s request, stating, “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? 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.”
In response, the Force’s spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, issued a statement on Sunday explaining that the request is a standard procedure designed to ensure effective communication, the safety of participants, and the prevention of unlawful activities.
“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,” Adejobi said.
“It is essential to know who is planning the assembly (protests) in each state as allowing faceless groups to operate unchecked could jeopardise the peace and stability of the country, and leave us with pains, sorrows and tears as experienced in the 2020 violent EndSARS protests.”
Adejobi further noted, “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.”
He emphasized that the IGP has always upheld the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression, but has a duty to ensure that such activities do not threaten national security.
“The IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasised that the right is to peaceful assembly and expression,” Adejobi stated.
“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 to protect 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.”
Adejobi concluded by urging the activists and other organisers not to mislead Nigerians and to collaborate with the authorities to ensure the security and well-being of the nation.