The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) claims it is routine protocol to obtain information from demonstration organisers to ensure safety and prevent illegal activity.
On Friday, Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), requested that organisers of the planned statewide demonstration submit their information to their respective state commissioners.
The projected youth-led nationwide protest is set to begin on August 1.
Egbetokun stated that the information will allow the police to deploy enough personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
However, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights activist and coordinator of concerned Nigerians, stated that the constitution does not have any scope for the IGP’s requests.
Adeyanju had told PUNCH:
“When the constitution was conferring the right to protest on the citizens, did the constitution give conditions for protests? Is the IG trying to rewrite the constitution?”
“Is he trying to donate rights to the citizens or what? He has no such powers. The constitution and other laws of the land do not give the IG the power to dictate how citizens should protest.”
Reacting in a statement on Sunday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the force spokesperson, said Egbetokun’s request was a routine measure to ensure a peaceful and secure environment for protesters.
The statement reads:
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby addresses the recent accusations made by one activist, Deji Adeyanju, and others via various fora, alleging that the IGP is attempting to rewrite the Constitution by requesting the details of the organisers and leaders of the planned nationwide protests.”
“In this wise, requesting the details of protest organisers 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 also vital for Deji Adeyanju to note that in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health; or for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons as enshrined in Section 45 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, this request by the IGP is not out of place.
“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.”
“if organised labour and other recognised bodies were involved, it would have provided a more structured and safer environment for such public protests”.
He encouraged Adeyanju and other organisers not to mislead the public, and that they should work with authorities to ensure national security and well-being.