The Inspector-General of Police, IGP, Kayode Egbetokun summoned Mr Ebun Olu-Olu-Adegboruwa, SAN, to a meeting at the Force Headquarters in Abuja today over the August 1, nationwide protest.
Adegboruwa had previously written to the IGP on July 26 seeking protection for members of the “Take-It-Back Movement,’ who are part of the civil society organizations taking part in the protest.
In response to Mr Adegboruwa’s request, the IGP through his Principal Staff Officer, CP Johnson Adenola, said the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands across the country had been mandated to accede to his requests.
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The letter read: ‘’I am to inform you that the Inspector-General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.
‘’I am to also inform you that the Inspector-General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to deliberate further on your request.”
Right to peaceful protest, pillar of democratic governance as constitutionally guaranteed
Similarly, civil society organisations, CSOs, have also the right of the people to peaceful protest.
In a statement jointly signed 36 CSOs, the groups said: ‘’This right is a cornerstone of any democratic society and a critical means for citizens to express their dissatisfaction, demand accountability, and advocate for change.
‘’Protesting is a legitimate form of expression enshrined in international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, UDHR, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended), among others.
‘’It allows citizens to publicly voice their concerns, challenge injustices, and participate actively in the democratic process.
Protests serve as a vital mechanism for holding leaders accountable and ensuring that government actions reflect the will and needs of the people.
‘’History has shown that protests can lead to significant changes in government policies, processes and practices, highlighting the power of collective action to address grievances and promote good governance.
‘’While the right to protest is a fundamental principle of democratic nations, we concede that it must be exercised peacefully and responsibly without violating the rights of others. Accordingly, we urge all parties engaged, including protest organisers, participants, and law enforcement agencies, to prioritise safety and the rule of law.
‘’Law enforcement must safeguard protesters while upholding public order. Demonstrators must avoid activities that might exacerbate tensions, cause unrest or threaten public safety.
“Attempts to suppress demonstrations through intimidation, excessive use of force, or unjust legal actions are unacceptable and counter-productive.
‘’Every protest is deemed peaceful, and if intelligence indicates otherwise, it is the role of the appropriate government agencies to identify such saboteurs and arrest them immediately.
Arresting protest organisers shows a lack of understanding of the enemies of the state.
‘’We urge the Nigerian Judiciary and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to uphold the rights of all protesters and establish a mechanism to promptly address and dismiss oppressive charges that may arise from these protests.
‘’The demands include reducing the cost of living, curbing insecurity, reducing the cost of governance, electoral reform, judicial reform, and constitutional reform, which are all recurring themes in Nigeria’s journey towards a healthy democracy.
‘’We reaffirm our commitment to the principles of democracy and human rights and stand in solidarity with those who decided to exercise the right to peaceful protest.
Vanguard
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