THE Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, has requested to meet representatives of the Take-It-Back Movement and their lawyer, Mr. Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at the Force Headquarters in Abuja over the protest against the economic hardship in the country, tagged #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, planned for August 1 to 10 nationwide.
The letter, dated July 29, with Ref. No CJ: 2400/IGP.SEC/ABJ/VOL.1/10, addressed to Adegboruwa and signed by the Principal Staff Officer to the IGP, Mr. Johnson Q. Adenola (CP), said the meeting was aimed at deliberating further on the request for Police protection during the protest.
The letter, titled, ‘Re: Notice Of Public Meetings/Rallies/Processions And Request For Police Coverage,’ followed a letter written by Adegboruwa on behalf of the movement, notifying the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) of the protest and other events and requesting Police protection to ensure peaceful execution of the events.
The letter read: “I have the honour to convey the warm compliments of the Inspector General of Police and acknowledge receipt of your letter A&C/RC/L-21/07/2024 dated 26th July, 2024 on the above underlined subject.
“I am to inform you that the Inspector General of Police has directed the Deputy Inspectors General of Police (Operations and Intelligence), the Assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of Zonal Police Headquarters, and the Commissioners of Police in charge of State Commands across the country to attend to your request.
“I am to also inform you that the Inspector General of Police wishes to have a meeting with you at the Nigeria Police Force Headquarters, Abuja on Tuesday, 30th July, 2024 to deliberate further on your request.
“While looking forward to your attendance, accept the assurances of the esteemed regards of the Inspector General of Police, please.”
The Take-It-Back Movement, had earlier in a letter by Adegboruwa, dated July 26, notified the IGP of its plan to hold public meetings, rallies and processions, in conjunction with other patriotic Nigerians and organisations, pursuant to Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and also Section 83 of the Police Act, 2020.
Section 83 (1) of the Act says the Police Force, that the Police 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.
Section (4) says where a person or organisation 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 mobilise personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”
The letter notified the IGP of the planned meetings, rallies and processions from August 1 to10, 2024, or potentially later, at the Eagle Square in Abuja, public spaces in the capital cities of all 36 states and headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
It further noted that the events would start at 8 am and continue uninterrupted until their conclusion, while meetings, rallies and processions may spill over onto public highways and other areas of public access.
According to Adegboruwa: “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 harmonise the plans and strategies of the said public meetings, rallies and processions.
“While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry.”
Recall that on Monday, July 29, the Police, ostensibly to curtail the protest, and forestall a break down of law and order as nightfall approaches, restricted all protests to 4pm, a move that had been criticised by the organisers and other Nigerians on the social media as been an infringement on their fundamental human right.
