The Nigerian Police Headquarters has issued a statement saying they
didn't ban any protests in Abuja. According to a statement signed by CSP
Frank Mba, what was issued yesterday by the FCT Commissioner of
Police, Joseph Mbu was only an advisory notice and not a ban. Find the
statement below.
The Police High Command wishes to
inform the general public that the Force has not issued any order
banning peaceful assemblies/protests anywhere in Nigeria. It notes
however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the
country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely
infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by
some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the Police only
issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said
rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
Reminding citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful
rallies, which the Police High Command regards as the constitutional and
democratic rights of Nigerians, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP, M
D. Abubakar, CFR, NPM, mni, psc, stresses the need for the organizers
of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from
the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any
unpleasant circumstances. The IGP calls on the general public to see the
present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace
our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.
Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their
positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the
existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our
midst by relevant security agencies.
Meanwhile, the IGP reassures citizens of the commitment of the Force
to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of
democracy in Nigeria.
CSP FRANK E. MBA
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA.