By The New Diplomat Political Desk
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has insisted on its request for the names and other details of intending participants or organizers of the forthcoming August nationwide protest.
Force spokesman Muyiwa Adejobi, in a press statement issued on Sunday, said that the Police are only doing their job in ensuring the protection of lives and properties.
Adejobi maintained that having such details is standard procedure to ensure the safety of all participants and prevent any unlawful activities.
The New Diplomat reports that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had demanded that individuals who are planning to join the upcoming protests should submit their details to the police.
However, many Nigerians have kicked against the statement.
Explaining the stance of the police, Adejobi 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.
“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 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.”
It would be recalled that the planned protest against economic hardship, which is gaining traction on social media, has been scheduled to be held across all states of the Federation as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, in August. The organisers of the protest have been faceless.
