Nigeria's Police HQ Overrides Commissioner, Says Peaceful Rallies Not Banned

… Strongly Advises Against Protests In the FCT Until Terror Threats Are Neutralised

SAN FRANCISCO, June 02, (THEWILL) â€' The Police high command in Nigeria Tuesday said there is no order stopping peaceful protests and assemblies nationwide.

The statement by the Police Force Headquarters in Abuja overrides the directive of the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Joseph Mbu, who Monday banned all protests calling for freedom for the abducted Chibok schoolgirls in the territory over intelligence that members of the terrorist group Boko Haram may use the protests as a means to enter the FCT with bombs.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Mr. Frank Mba, announced the position of the Police High Command on the development though the Inspector General of Police strongly advised protest organizers to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately eliminated.

The full text of the statement reads:
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.