- By Haliamh Olamide
Nigerian lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has written to the Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun notifying the police boss of a planned nationwide protest across major cities of the country starting from August 1.
In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, the senior advocate writing as solicitor to theTake It Back Movementstated that the planned rallies will commence from Aug. 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter at the Eagle Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 states and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
Adegboruwa said in his letter to the police boss that the role of the police during such rallies and protests is to protect.
He also asked the IGP to make available the details of any police officer or police team that will be assigned to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions to harmonise plans and strategies for the same.
NPO Reports that the police had said on Thursday that peaceful protesters would be accompanied and protected while those who use it to cause violence will be dealt with.
The Directorate of State Security had also on Thursday said it has information on the sponsors and financiers of the proposed protests.
The DSS had also alleged that the protest was aimed to regime change.
The agency had said, “The Service has also identified, among others, the funding lines, sponsors and collaborators of the plot. However, it does not think that aggression should be the first line action in the instance, in handling the emerging scenario.
“It has instead, variously applied non kinetic and conflict resolution strategies, including moral suasion, stakeholder engagement and other multi-track diplomatic shuttles, to dissuade the planners from actualising their undesirable objective. Based on the foregoing, the Service wishes to warn all the protest groups to eschew any form of proposed rage, anarchy and spoliation.
“While the different levels of Government have routinely explained their agenda to ameliorate alleged harsh economic conditions, the Service urges the prospective protesters to listen to the voice of reason, good conscience and patiently engage with the authorities, in the interest of peace. This has become important given that violence begets destruction of lives and property as well as serve as a distraction to governance. The agitators are encouraged to use ample ways available to them to channel their grievances without resorting to violence.”
Read Copy of Adegboruwa’s Letter Below:
Our Ref: A&C/RC/L- 21/07/2024
Friday, July 26, 2024
The Inspector-General of Police,
Nigeria Police Force,
Force Headquarters,
Shehu Shagari Way,
FCT, Abuja.
Dear Sir,
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS/RALLIES/PROCESSIONS AND REQUEST FOR POLICE COVERAGE
We act as solicitors to the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, to notify your esteemed office, of PUBLIC MEETINGS/RALLIES/PROCESSIONS being organized by the Take It Back Movement, all its members and other patriotic Nigerians/Organisations.
This application is made pursuant to sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and also section 83 of the Police Act, 2020, the latter which provides as follows:
“83 (1) The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order.
(2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1):
(a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws;
(b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and
(c)be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations.
(4)Where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilize personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”
The meetings/rallies/processions will commence from AUGUST 1 TO 10, 2024 or any time thereafter at Eagle’s Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 States of the Federation and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils, commencing from 8am continuously until the end thereof. The meetings/rallies/processions may extend to and cover public highways and other locations of public access.
We will be glad to have the details of any police officer or police team that you may assign to cover the said meetings/rallies/processions in order to harmonize the plans and strategies of the said puplic meetings/rallies/processions.
While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry.
Yours sincerely,
EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, SAN