In light of the recent protests that have held in various parts of the Capital, FCT, The Nigerian Police Force in a bid to ensure the security of life and property have restricted all forms of protests within the Federal Capital Territory to the Unity Fountain.
With this mandate now in place, all protesters are expected to comply with the new instruction and will be free to assemble and conduct peaceful protests within the Unity Fountain which going forward is the authorized protest zone.
The decision was made to allow for more coordinated handling of peaceful protests and also to allow for a free flow of traffic as well as the protection of commerce and other economic activities which may otherwise be hampered by protests activities.
In a press statement, the Force touched on the African Charter on Human Rights and explained as below
The Force is not unaware of the African Charter on Human Rights, which the Nigerian State has ratified and the Constitutional provisions relating to the fundamental human rights, particularly freedom of expression, right to peaceful assembly and freedom of movement. It is important however to note that these rights are not absolute and are constitutionally moderated by the genuine concerns for public safety, public order and for the purpose of protecting the rights and freedom of other persons.
Needless to state that it is within the prerogative of the Police to regulate activities of protesters who have the tendency to cause damage to life and property, particularly to innocent and non-protesting citizens, who also have equal right to exercise their freedom, unmolested by the protesting group.
It is against this backdrop that the IGP seeks the cooperation and understanding of would-be protesters and the general public. He reiterates his call for constructive collaboration between the citizens and the Police in enthroning a new culture of protests devoid of violence and damage to public and private property.
