Lawyers Urge IGP Egbetokun To Provide Police Protection For Protesters

Lawyers have urged IGP Egbetokun to provide police protection for protesters.

Glamtush reports that human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has notified security agencies, seeking their protection for upcoming public meetings, rallies, and processions organized by the non-governmental group Take It Back Movement.

This online news platform learnt that the notice comes as the movement, alongside its members and various patriotic Nigerian groups, prepares for a series of events aimed at advocating for their cause.

In a letter dated Friday, July 26, Adegboruwa, acting as solicitor for the Take It Back Movement, informed the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services about rallies scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024, or at a later date.

He noted that the rallies would take place at Eagle Square in Abuja, public spaces in the 36 state capitals, and the 774 local government headquarters.

It partly reads: “The meetings, rallies, and processions will take place from August 1 to 10, or any time thereafter, at Eagle’s Square in Abuja, public spaces in the capital cities of all 36 states, and headquarters of the 774 local government councils, commencing from 8am continuously until the end thereof.

“The meetings, rallies, and 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, and processions in order to harmonize the plans and strategies of the said public meetings, rallies, and processions.”

Similarly, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has written to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting permission for Nigerians to stage a protest.

Effiong’s letter to the IGP follows a call for a nationwide protest against the escalating cost of living in the country.

In a letter seen on Friday, Effiong noted that reports of the planned protest have elicited mixed reactions from various security agencies, including the police.

It partly reads: “Again, your kind attention is equally drawn to the provision of section 91(3) of the Electoral Act, 2022, which states unequivocally that, ‘Notwithstanding any provision in the Police Act, the Public Order Act, and any regulation made thereunder or any other law to the contrary, the role of the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agencies of the federal government in political rallies, processions, and meetings shall be limited to the provision of adequate security.

“We request that you issue a directive to all commissioners of police across the states of the federation and Abuja and all relevant departments under your supervision to provide adequate security for the protesters, as they will be exercising their constitutional rights.

“The role of the police is to protect and facilitate the exercise of constitutional rights, not to suppress or stifle them. Any attempt to the contrary will be unconstitutional and a violation of your oath of office.

“We urge you to refuse any invitation to trample on the democratic rights of the protesters. It is imperative for you to demonstrate your commitment to the rule of law.”