Adejobi said the IGP by asking for details of organisers of the proposed protests is not trying to rewrite constitution but to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful.
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has rejected claims by activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others alleging that the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, is attempting to rewrite the constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.
NPF spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Sunday said the IGP by asking for details of organisers of the proposed protests is not trying to rewrite constitution but to ensure the demonstrations stay peaceful.
The statement 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 the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.
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“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, 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.”
Adejobi urged Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead Nigerians.