BY GODWIN OBI
Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, has notified security agencies, seeking their protection for upcoming public meetings, rallies, and processions organized by the non-governmental group Take It Back Movement.
The notice comes as the movement, alongside its members and various patriotic Nigerian groups, prepares for a series of events aimed at advocating for their cause.
In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa, acting as solicitor for the Take It Back Movement, informed the Inspector General of Police and the Director of the Department of State Services about rallies scheduled from August 1 to 10, 2024, or at a later date.
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He noted that the rallies would take place at Eagle Square in Abuja, public spaces in the 36 state capitals, and the 774 local government headquarters.
It partly reads: “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 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.”
Similarly, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has written to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, requesting permission for Nigerians to stage a protest.
Effiong’s letter to the IGP follows a call for a nationwide protest against the escalating cost of living in the country.
In a letter seen on Friday, Effiong noted that reports of the planned protest have elicited mixed reactions from various security agencies, including the police.
It partly reads: “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.
“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.
“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.”
Protest: ‘You caused it all’ – Dele Momodu writes Tinubu
I a related development, Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine, blamed President Bola Tinubu for the current challenges bedeviling Nigerians that have sparked a planned protest to be held nationwide.
In an open letter to the president posted on X, Momodu expressed concern over the difficulties faced by ordinary Nigerians and the perception that the President’s approach to governance has shifted.
“Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank Sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a State
“I’m sad and embarrassed that a fighter for Democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.,” he stated.
Momodu further stated that while he is against anarchy, he believes in managing potential threats without undermining democratic rights.
“I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia, and The Gambia. But I’m reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud,” he noted.
Momodu advised Tinubu to seek guidance from civil liberties advocates and to evaluate the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security agencies without resorting to authoritarian measures.
“Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture, and combat readiness of our security agencies.
“Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for,” he stated.
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