The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has defended its recent demand for details of the leaders and organizers of the planned #EndBadGovernance nationwide protest, asserting that such requests are in line with constitutional provisions.
In a press statement released on Sunday, NPF spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi addressed the controversy surrounding the police chief’s request, which had drawn criticism from rights activists including Deji Adeyanju and other groups.
“Requests for the names of the organisers and details such as time, routes, and location of protests are in line with the 1999 constitution,” Adejobi stated.
The Assistant Commissioner of Police elaborated on the rationale behind the request, explaining that while the NPF recognizes citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, it must also fulfill its duty to maintain public safety.
Adejobi said, “It is vital to clarify that the IGP has never denied the constitutional right of every citizen to freedom of association and expression, but has rather, at every point, emphasized that the right is that to peaceful assembly and expression,”
He further added, “Also, the Nigeria Police holds the responsibility to ensure that any activity, including protests, does not pose a threat to national security.”
Adejobi emphasized that requesting details about protest organizers and schedules is a standard procedure aimed at facilitating effective communication, ensuring participant safety, and preventing unlawful activities.
The police spokesperson referenced Section 45 (1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which allows for certain limitations on rights in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality, or public health, or for protecting the rights and freedoms of others.
Drawing parallels to the #EndSARS protest of 2020, which escalated into violence following a government clampdown, Adejobi suggested that identifying protest leaders could help prevent similar unrest. He noted that involvement of organized labor and recognized bodies could provide a more structured and safer environment for public demonstrations.
The planned #EndBadGovernance protest, scheduled to take place across Nigeria from August 1 to August 10, aims to address citizens’ grievances regarding hunger, economic hardship, and governance issues. While no official leader has been identified, several prominent activists and social commentators, including Aisha Yesufu, Deji Adeyanju, and Omoyele Sowore, have expressed support for the demonstration.
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The Explainer gathered that, In response to the planned protest, the government has taken various preventive measures, including meetings with state governors, traditional rulers, and clerics. Security agencies, such as the Nigerian Army and the State Security Service, have also issued warnings, claiming to have identified the protest’s financiers.
President Bola Tinubu has urged citizens not to participate in the protest, questioning the patriotism of the organizers.
In a statement released on Friday, Tinubu said, “The sponsors of protests do not love our country. They have no love for the nation. They do not understand citizenship. They have alternative passports.”
As tensions continue to build, the police maintain that their request for protest details is a necessary step to ensure public safety and order during the planned demonstrations.
