Mohammed Shosanya
One of the organizers of the planned hardship protest in Nigeria,Take It Back Movement,has requested police coverage of the exercise billed to last between August 1 and 10,this year.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa,the group’s solicitor,conveyed this action in a letter, titled:’Notice Of Public Meetings/Rallies/Processions And Request For Police Coverage”,and addressed to the Inspector-General of Police,Kayode Egbetokun on Friday,July 26,2024.
The copy of the letter was obtained by Premium News.
The letter explained that the application is made pursuant to sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and also section 83 of the Police Act, 2020.
The Act,it said provides:“83 (1) The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order.
(2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1):
(a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws;
(b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and
(c)be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations.
(4)Where a person or organization notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilize personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”
According to the letter,the meetings/rallies/processions will commence from AUGUST 1 TO 10, 2024 or any time thereafter at Eagle’s Square in Abuja and other public spaces in the capital cities of all the 36 States of the Federation and the headquarters of the 774 local government councils, commencing from 8am continuously until the end thereof.
The meetings/rallies/processions may extend to and cover public highways and other locations of public access, it also said.
It added:”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/processions in order to harmonize the plans and strategies of the said puplic meetings/rallies/processions.
“While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry”.
