(Updated:) The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, on Tuesday, over-ruled the ban placed on the #Bringbackourgirls protests by the FCT Commissioner of Police, Joseph Mbu, barely 24 hours after the directive.
The IG said that the Force has not issued any order banning peaceful assemblies or protests anywhere in Nigeria, adding that it only issued advisory notice enjoining citizens to apply caution during their rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.
This he said, was 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.”
Mbu, had on Monday stated that the trend of the protest in the FCT was posing a serious security threat, adding that shortly after the #Bringbackourgirls group protested on April 28, another group #Releaseourgirls emerged.
He said,”Accordingly, protests on the Chibok girls are hereby banned with immediate effect. As the FCT police boss, I cannot fold my hands and watch this lawlessness (protests). Information reaching us is that too soon, dangerous element will join groups under the guise of protest and detonate explosives aimed at embarrassing the government.”
But the IG, who spoke through the Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, reminded citizens of the earlier position of the Force on peaceful rallies, which he said the Police High Command regarded as the constitutional and democratic rights of Nigerians.
He stressed the need for the organizers of rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.
Abubakar said, “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.”
The IG called on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace the nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.
He said, “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.
Abubakar reassured citizens of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of democracy in the country.
When contacted for her reaction, the Coordinator of the #Bringbackourgirls coalition, and former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, said her group had instituted a suit against the police in court, adding that she would not speak further until the issue is decided by the judiciary.
Meanwhile, only a handful of the coalition members showed up at the Unity Fountain, Maitama, venue of the sit-in protests by the BBOG on Tuesday.
Our correspondent observed that the usually boisterous crowd that participated in the group’s activities were largely absent probably on account of Mbu’s order banning the protest.
Checks revealed that none of the members of the rival group, #Releaseourgirls were at the Unity Fountain, which they dominated for the better part of last week, singing, dancing and generally chanting pro-government songs.
The group was believed to be sponsored by unidentified government agents, who brought them to the park daily in hired buses.
PUNCH
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