Lawyers write Egbetokun, seek police protection for protesters during planned demonstration

Inibehe Effiong, a human rights lawyer, has written to Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), requesting that Nigerians be allowed to stage a protest.

Effiong’s letter to the IGP comes on the heels of a planned nationwide protest against the rising cost of living in the country.

In the letter seen on Friday, Effiong said mixed reactions have trailed reports of the planned protest from various security agencies, including the police.

The lawyer said he deemed it necessary to draw the attention of the police to sections 39 and 48 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantee the “right of Nigerians to freedom of expression, and the right of Nigerians to assemble freely and associate with one another for the protection of their interests”.

“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,” the letter reads.

He said the police should not intimidate or disrupt the protests given the provisions of the constitution.

“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,” Effiong added.

“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.”

Meanwhile, Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, has notified the IGP of its plans to hold public meetings, rallies, and processions in conjunction with other Nigerians.

In a letter by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, its lawyer, the group requested police coverage for the events.

“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 letter reads.

“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.”