Police not against peaceful assembly-IGP

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protect the rights of citizens particularly their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The spokesman of the Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police Frank Mba said in a statement that, “Against the backdrop of the recent local and international […]

The Inspector General of Police (IGP) Mohammed Abubakar has reaffirmed the commitment of the police to protect the rights of citizens particularly their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

The spokesman of the Police Force, Chief Superintendent of Police Frank Mba said in a statement that, “Against the backdrop of the recent local and international clamour  for the immediate and unconditional release of the school girls who were abducted from Chibok, Borno State, through protests and other forms of advocacy.”

” IGP Mohammed  Abubakar, has restated the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force and other Law Enforcement Agencies to the protection and enforcement of the fundamental rights of the citizens, particularly their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association amongst others as enshrined in Chapter Four of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as amended.” He added.

Mba also said, “Noting that the Law Enforcement Agencies are duty-bound to enforce these rights, the IGP charged his Zonal and State Command Officers to ensure that citizens embarking on rallies and other peaceful demonstrations are provided adequate security in line with the standard operational practice of the Force.”

The IGP however, called on leaders and organizers of such rallies to work in concert with the Police to ensure the safety of participants and orderliness of the exercise, the force spokesman said.

He further urged them to take measures to deter hoodlums from hijacking the assemblies.   

The IGP also  reassured that  all necessary steps are being taken towards ensuring that the abducted Chibok School girls are rescued and returned to their loved ones.