“In the letter, the IGP’s attention was drawn to relevant provisions of the law, including Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, Section 83(4) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Section 91(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and case law, the combined effect of which guarantees the constitutional right of citizens to protest, and gives the police and other law enforcement agencies a duty to protect protesters”
By Ime Silas
Ahead of nationwide protests planned to kick-start in August, 2024, Lagos-based Activist and human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, Esq. has written through his Law Firm to the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun to remind him of the force’s constitutional duties to protect all Nigerians including protesters.
Inibehe who made this known via a release he posted on his social media handles, also drew the attention of the IGP to relevant provisions of the law which guarantee citizens’ right to protest.
The ‘EndBadGovernance’ protest is organized by yet-to-be identified Nigerians to demand what they termed “end to bad leadership” in the country.
But the Directorate of State Service (DSS), the Army and police have separately urged the organizers of the nationwide protest to call it off, alleging that it is being sponsored by mercenaries outside of Nigeria.
There have been mixed reactions from Nigerians some of whom have asked that the protests be shelved, while others including the clergy, opinion leaders, activists and some community leaders have come out to openly support the planned protest.
Writing to the IGP on the constitutionality of the planned protest and the imperativeness of Police protection of the protesters, Inibehe said “I have written to the Inspector General of Police today about the nationwide End Bad Governance protests scheduled to start on 1st August, 2024.
In the letter, the IGP’s attention was drawn to relevant provisions of the law, including Sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution, Section 83(4) of the Nigeria Police Act, 2020, Section 91(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and case law, the combined effect of which guarantees the constitutional right of citizens to protest, and gives the police and other law enforcement agencies a duty to protect protesters.
The letter also reminds the IGP of the Anti-Torture Act, 2017 which has criminalized all forms of torture and dehumanization of Nigerians by law enforcement officers in the country.
I have demanded that the IGP should respect and protect the rights of the protesters, and direct Commissioners of Police in the States and the FCT and all departments of the police to ensure that protesters are protected during the course of the protests”.