Human rights activist Femi Falana has issued a stern warning to the Nigeria Police Force, cautioning against any crackdown on members of the Nigeria Labour Congress and other individuals protesting the prevailing hardships in the country. He emphasized the need for the police authorities to afford adequate protection to the demonstrators.
Scheduled for February 27 and 28, the nationwide protest declared by the NLC in response to the nation’s economic challenges has garnered significant attention. Falana’s intervention comes amidst reports of the Lagos State Police Command’s determination to suppress protests obstructing traffic flow.
Furthermore, the apprehension of 25 individuals in Niger State on February 7 and the subsequent detainment of five residents in Delta State on February 23, both incidents of protester arrests, have raised significant concerns.
In a statement released on Monday, Falana underscored the rights of demonstrators as enshrined in Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act 2020. This provision mandates police protection for public gatherings, rallies, and processions upon notification from individuals or organizations intending to hold such events in public spaces.
Falana urged Inspector General of Police Olukayode Egbetokun to direct police commands nationwide to ensure the safety of protesters. He emphasized the imperative of providing adequate security coverage for demonstrators in line with their constitutional rights.
“We are compelled to call on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that the protesters are given adequate security by the various police commands in the country,” Falana statedFemi Falana, a prominent human rights activist, issues a stern warning to the Nigeria Police Force, urging them to protect demonstrators participating in the nationwide protest organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress against economic challenges. Falana emphasizes the constitutional rights of protesters and calls upon the Inspector General of Police to ensure their safety emphatically.
