Benneth Igweh, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in Zone 7, Abuja has stated that no protest or procession from any group is permitted in the federal capital territory, as Nigeria celebrates Independence Day on Tuesday.
According to Igwe in a statement by SP Josephine Adeh, he said force is aware that some groups plan to violate the law but cannot protest as they lack assembly and procession rights.
He advised protesters to stay away from Abuja and clarified that protest is allowed if it falls within the law’s ambit.
He also addressed rumours that some groups that plans to protest submitted applications for peaceful/guided protest to the IGP office.
He said, “October 1 is our independence day and the federal government has declared public holiday for all Nigerians to celebrate. We are ready to protect you. We are ready to guarantee your protection to celebrate as long as you act within the ambit of the law.
“We have a lot of intelligence at our disposal that some miscreants including members of the proscribed Islamic Movements of Nigeria (Shiites) want to take to the streets to protest. This cannot be allowed because they have been proscribed. They don’t have right of assembly. They don’t have right of procession.
“Tomorrow, anybody or group that wants to flout the law, we will be ready for them. If anybody decides to join them, congratulations to them.
“The Police Command in FCT has not received any letter or application for any protest March. So protesters should stay away from Abuja.
“Protest is allowed if it is within the ambit of the law. But if your protest is not within the ambit of the law, we will tell you that the law exists and the law must be obeyed.”
Written by Cheta Enyoghasi
