A human rights activist, Femi Falana, has warned the Nigerian Police in opposition to the crackdown on members of the Nigeria Labor Congress and people protesting in opposition to the hardships within the nation.
That is precisely as he referred to as on the police to offer satisfactory safety to the demonstrators.
The NLC had on February 16 declared a nationwide protest for February 27 and 28 in response to the financial hardship confronted by the nation, following the expiry of a fourteen-day ultimatum given to the Federal Authorities to handle the difficulty.
The PUNCH reported on Sunday that the Lagos State Police Command vowed to sort out demonstrators who attempt to hinder the free circulate of site visitors whereas protesting.
Police have already arrested protesters who expressed their displeasure over the nation's excessive value of residing.
On February 7, 25 folks have been arrested in Niger state for protesting in opposition to the hardships within the nation. (https://punchng.com/niger-police-arrest-25-for-protesting-high-cost-of-living/)
There have been additionally studies of the arrest of 5 residents of Delta State who protested in opposition to the hardships within the nation on February 23.
Nonetheless, in an announcement on Monday, Falana famous that underneath Article 83(4) of the Police Act, protesters have the precise to be protected throughout their demonstrations.
The assertion learn: “Given the menace by some cops to strain members of the Nigeria Labor Congress who’ve determined to protest in opposition to the hardships within the nation from February 27 to twenty-eight, 2024, it’s pertinent to level out that demonstrators have the precise to police safety. Particularly, part 83(4) of the Police Institution Act 2020 supplies:
“When an individual or group notifies the police of his or her intention to carry a public assembly, demonstration or procession on a public freeway or comparable gatherings in a spot to which the general public has entry, the police officer accountable could demonstration or parade will happen within the space the place the assembly will happen, will mobilize personnel to make sure safety and supply cowl for the assembly, demonstration or parade.”
He referred to as on the Inspector Basic of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to direct the varied police instructions within the nation to guard the protesters.
Falana stated: “We’re compelled to attraction to the Inspector Basic of Police to make sure that the protesters are supplied satisfactory safety by the varied police instructions within the nation. “
