BRING BACK OUR GIRLS GROUP, POLICE CLASH!

– The Nigeria police on Tuesday,
September 6, banned all forms of protest
within the Federal Capital Territory
– The police said the command will not fold
its arms and watch some individuals or
group of persons tamper with the existing
peaceful atmosphere within the FCT
Bring Back Our Girls group dung a protest
Just like in the days of the former
commissioner of police for the Federal
Capital Territory Joseph Mbu, all protest
either by individuals of group has been
banned by the FCT police command.
In a fresh statement by the FCT police
spokesperson Anjuguri Manzah, said the
command has observed with concern the
disregard for the rule of law by some
individuals or group of persons with the FCT.
Manzah said: “These indiscriminate actions
which are carried out in disorderly and
sometimes riotous manner create unwarranted
tension and apprehension among law abiding
citizens and in the process obstruct legitimate
business activities.”
He also said the command is making it clear
that it will continue to be professional in
discharging its constitutionally assigned roles
in accordance with international best
practices especially as it relates to the
fundamental rights of citizens.
“However, the command will not fold its arms
and watch some individuals or group of
persons tamper with the existing
peaceful atmosphere in the Federal Capital
Territory.
“The Command hereby advises any person or
group of persons who wish to embark on any
demonstration to notify the Commissioner
of Police FCT in writing and secure approval,”
Manzah added.
A similar order was given by Mbu, now
retired, in June 2014 during a continuous and
heated protest carried out by the Bring Back
Our Girls group.
Mbu’s ban followed a N200 million suit
against him and the inspector general of
police.
The suit was however later dropped by the
group after the ban was lifted and the group
advised to always seek police permit before
embarking on any protest.
But an Abuja court in its ruling said the
police lacked police to prevent citizens
protest against the federal government’s
activities.
Justice Ebenezer Aladetoyinbo delivering his
ruling on the BBOG suit declared that the
Public Order Act, cap. 382, Laws of Nigeria,
1990, which the Police relied on, does not
authorise the police to disrupt rallies or
processions on the abducted Chibok girls.
Since August, the group led by its convener,
a former minister of education Obiageli
Ezekwesili have carried out series of
protests.
The group in their quest for the safe rescue
of over 200 school girls abducted from their
hostel in Government Secondary School,
Chibok have marched to the Presidential
Villa many times.
Although during all these protests, the group
were also prevented from meeting with the
President Muhammadu Buhari.
The latest of it protest was a “silent protest”
carried out by the group in the central area
of Abuja.
Former minister of education Obiageli
Ezekwesili during the BBOG silent protest in
Abuja
The group had marched from the Unity
Fountain where it normally convene for its
daily sit outs, to the entrance of the
Presidential Villa where they were stopped
by the police.


Source :naij:com
Edited by DANIEL IKECHUKWU EKWUNIFE