By Tonia Okereke
The Nigerian Police Force has warned members of the ‘Take It Back Movement’ to cancel their planned protest.
In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the NPF described the planned protests as ill-advised and ill-timed.
He noted that the date coincides with the Federal Government’s declaration of April 7 as National Police Day, a day set aside to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
The statement read in part: “While not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, the Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned about the motive behind such protest scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, putting into consideration that such glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
“In line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7 as National Police Day. The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
“The Nigeria Police Force hereby advises the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous”.
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