Protest organisers adamant, write IGP to request police coverage

Organisers of the nationwide Hunger Protest scheduled to commence on August 1, 2024, seem to have foreclosed the possibility of calling it off despite mounting pressure by government, as well as concerned groups and individuals.

This indication emerged earlier today, Friday, July 26, when they wrote to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, to request police coverage during the scheduled protest.

The letter, sighted by News Express, was signed by their attorney, eminent activist and human rights crusader, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN. It reads:

“Dear Sir,

“NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETINGS/RALLIES/PROCESSIONS AND REQUEST FOR POLICE COVERAGE

“We act as solicitors to the TAKE IT BACK MOVEMENT, to notify your esteemed office, of PUBLIC MEETINGS/RALLIES/PROCESSIONS being organized by the Take It Back Movement, all its members and other patriotic Nigerians/Organisations.

“This 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 latter which provides as follows:

“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.”

“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.

“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.

“Yours sincerely,

“EBUN-OLU ADEGBORUWA, SAN”.

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