Femi Falana to lead #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests talk with Nigerian Police Force
*As Take-It-Back Movement lawyers opt for only zoom meeting
By KEMI KASUMU
The Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, has proposed a Zoom conference meeting with the Nigerian police authorities to discuss the upcoming nationwide protest, aiming to increase participation.
This comes after the police in Abuja requested a meeting with the movement’s leaders and lawyers, who had sought protection for citizens participating in the August 1-10 #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protests.
A media source had earlier Tuesday revealed that the Take-It-Back Movement (TIB), through its lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), sent a letter dated July 30, 2024, to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, requesting contact details of senior police officials, including Deputy Inspectors-General, Assistant Inspectors-General, and Commissioners of Police, who will be involved in the upcoming protest.
In its response to the Inspector-General of Police, the TIB Movement also “expressed their readiness to attend the meeting with the Inspector-General of Police as requested”.
“However, in order to achieve enlarged participation, we request that the said meeting be held virtually, in order to give room for all stakeholders to attend.
“Specifically, we will be led in the said meeting by Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, the NBA, other lawyers and civil society organisations. We await the Zoom link for the said virtual meeting,” the TIB Movement added.
The letter dated July 30, 2024, and signed by Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), which was obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday, states in part: “Please find below the details of SOME of the points of convergence for the said public meetings, rallies and processions.
“ABUJA: Eagle’s Square, by the Secretariat, FCT, Abuja; Lagos: Alausa Park by the Secretariat, Ikeja.
“BENIN: Opposite Wema Bank, Akpakpava Lane, Benin City; IBADAN: Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan; BAUCHI: Opposite School of Agric, Bauchi, along Tafawa Balewa Road.
“YOBE: Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State; RIVERS: Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium and OSHOGBO: Freedom Park, Osogbo.”
It added, “We shall update you with further details in the course of time, hoping that the above information suffices for planning and strategy.”
The Inspector-General of Police had directed all DIGs across the country to ensure the safety of the protesters across the country.
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported that the Take-It-Back Movement had formally notified the Inspector-General of Police of its plan to hold public meetings, rallies, and processions in conjunction with other patriotic Nigerians and organisations.
In a letter dated July 26, 2024, and received by the Inspector-General’s office on the same day, the group requested police coverage for the events.
The letter, written by Adegboruwa, served as a formal notice of the upcoming gatherings and sought police protection to ensure their peaceful execution.
According to the letter, the application was made pursuant to sections 39 and 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 as amended and also section 83 of the Police Act, 2020, the latter which provides as follows: “83 (1) The Police Force is responsible for maintaining and securing public safety and public order.
“(2) The Police Force shall, in carrying out its responsibilities under subsection (1): (a) uphold the provisions of the Constitution and other laws;
“(b) uphold and protect the fundamental rights of all persons in Nigeria, and (c)be fair to all persons in Nigeria notwithstanding their economic status or religious, ethnic or political beliefs and affiliations.
“(4)Where a person or organisation notifies the police of his or its intention to hold a public meeting, rally or procession on a public highway, or such meetings in a place where the public has access to, the police officer responsible for the area where the meeting, rally or procession will take place, shall mobilise personnel to provide security cover for the meeting, rally or procession.”
See copy of letter by Ebun Onagoruwa below:
