The Nigerian Police through a Press Release denied banning public protest within Abuja and environs. Read the press statement…
PRESS RELEASE
RE: BAN ON PUBLIC PROTEST/PROCESSION
· No ban on public protest
The
Inspector-General of Police, IGP Ibrahim K Idris NPM, mni wishes to
state categorically that at no time did Nigeria Police Force place a ban
on peaceful public protest/procession anywhere in Nigeria most
particularly Federal Capital Territory.
2.
Peaceful Public protest/procession is an integral part of democratic
norms in as much as it conforms with the rule of law and public order.
3. The Nigeria Police Force recognises the constitutional rights of
every law abiding citizen to express his or her view through public
protest/procession and other legitimate means.
4. In order to ensure that public protest/procession is not
hijacked by hoodlums and miscreants to unleash mayhem and disturbance of
public peace, persons or group of persons undertaking public
protest/procession should endeavour to notify the police to enable the
police protect and process the public procession through designated
routes and destinations.
5. However, the Police will not condone any protest/procession on
the public highways and roads inhibiting or disallowing public freedom
and right of way.
6. The Inspector General of Police is committed to the principles
of democratic policing and adherence to international best practices in
public order management. To this end, State Commissioners of Police and
Police Commanders are directed to emplace strategies to protect and
facilitate lawful public protest/processions as well as protect other
members of the public who are not engaged in any form of public
protest/procession.
DCP Don N. Awunah, fsi
Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters,
Abuja.