The Inspector-General of Police Mohammed Adamu has restricted
all forms of protests within the FCT to the Unity Fountain.
The IG explained the order was part of efforts by the Police to
ensure safety and security of life and property as well as the free
flow of traffic and protection of commerce and other economic
activities.
It also said the order will assist personnel of the Force in
coordinating and handling peaceful protest.
The Police, in statement in Abuja on Wednesday by the Force
Spokesman, DCP Frank Mba urged intending protesters to steer-clear
of all critical national infrastructure, especially the Three Arms
Zone and other sensitive security areas.
Mba however stated intending protesters are at liberty to
assemble and conduct peaceful protests within the Unity Fountain;
the authorized protest zone.
Highlighting the reasons for the directive, he said: “The
restriction is sequel to series of protests, such as the one on
30th October, 2018 in various parts of Abuja, which brought the
Capital City to a standstill, crumbling economic activities and
inflicting untold hardship on motorists and the general public.
“A similar protest during the same month led to the setting
ablaze of a Police Patrol vehicle at Banex Plaza, Abuja,
traumatizing innocent citizens.
“This year, on the 9th of July, another protest at the National
Assembly, Abuja, led to an unprovoked attack on Police officers on
legitimate national assignment, injuring nine of them and causing
massive damage to public and private property.
“The Force is not unaware of the African Charter on Human
Rights, which the Nigerian State has ratified and the
Constitutional provisions relating to the fundamental human rights,
particularly freedom of expression, right to peaceful assembly and
freedom of movement.
“It is important however to note that these rights are not
absolute and are constitutionally moderated by the genuine concerns
for public safety, public order and for the purpose of protecting
the rights and freedom of other persons.”
The statement continues: “Needless to state that it is within
the prerogative of the Police to regulate activities of protesters
who have the tendency to cause damage to life and property,
particularly to innocent and non-protesting citizens, who also have
equal right to exercise their freedom, unmolested by the protesting
group.
“It is against this backdrop that the IGP seeks the cooperation
and understanding of would-be protesters and the general
public.”
The Police chief also called for constructive collaboration
between the citizens and the Police in enthroning a new culture of
protests devoid of violence and damage to public and private
property.
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