Police kick against planned nationwide protest, urge dialogue
The Nigeria Police Force has warned the Take it Back Movement and other organisers to shelve the proposed protest, tagging it as ‘mischievous’ and ‘ill-timed’.
According to the National Coordinator of TIB, Juwon Sanyaolu, the protest is aimed at addressing issues surrounding the alleged misuse of the Cybercrime Act and the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
The police, in a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said fixing planned protest on the same day as the National Police Force Day is an attempt to disrespect the force.
READ ALSO: Angry protesters destroy FCT Minister, Wike’s billboards across Rivers State
Adejobi said the scheduled date had been earmarked by the Federal Government “to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force”.
“While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
“The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming the commitment of the NPF to adequately carry out its mandate in accordance with the law and respect for rights of citizens hereby urges all the organisers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands,” the statement read in part.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
