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A day after Ibrahim Idris, the police inspector-general of police, banned banned all public protests in Abuja in reaction to the one organised by the BringBackOurGirls campaigners, a group under the aegis of Say No Campaign-Nigeria has condemned the senior law enforcement agent and his organisation,
The BringBackOurGirls group is a coalition of civil society organisations pressuring the government to ensure the release of the over 200 Chibok school girls kidnapped by the Boko Haram sect in Borno state over two years ago.
BringBackOurGirls protesters were frustrated by the police
Led by Oby Ezekwesili, a former education minister, the group had constantly embarrassed the federal government and exposed the plight suffered by parents of the girls.
A protest by the group on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 was frustrated by the police and a rival group in favour of President Muhammadu Buhari.
A statement signed by the trio Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, Jaye Gaskiya and Ezenwa Nwagwum on behalf of the Say No Campaign-Nigeria and made available to NAIJ,com, warned Idris to stop trampling on the rights of the citizens of the country.
“The Nigeria Police is reported to have banned all forms of protest within the FCT and have advised any form or group of persons who wish to embark on any demonstration to notify the commissioner of police FCT in writing and secure approval.
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“Say No Campaign-Nigeria in totality condemns this act and wishes to state that the disruption and bans on all forms of protest within the Federal Capital under sections 39 and 40 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) 2004 violates rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
“It is also pertinent to note that Public Order Act Cap 382 Laws of Nigeria 1990 did not in any way empower the Police to disrupt or ban peaceful rallies and processions, and that the Court of Appeal has decided that Nigerians do not require police permit before they can hold peaceful rallies and protests.
Auwal Musa Rafsanjani and his colleagues condemned the ban on protests in Abuja by the police
“The court unreservedly declared such requirements unconstitutional, null and void.
“We urge the Nigeria police to concentrate on maintaining public order and protect lives and properties rather than dissipate time and energy on unconstitutional adventures. This act of recklessness is unwarranted, illegal, and unethical to all democratic norms.
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“We call on the Inspector-General of police to act in line with the constitution, democratic principles and rule of law and desist from trampling on the fundamental rights of citizens or we may be compelled to call for his sack.
“The victories we have won even under the military rule cannot be taken away in a civilian government.
“We also call on President Muhammadu Buhari to call the police authorities to order to ensure their acts of recklessness do not undermine our hard won democratic gains of freedom and liberty.”
Idris had justified the ban on public protest after declaring that the activities of the #BringBackOurGirls (BBOG) group are becoming a threat to public peace and order.
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