Take-It-Back Movement Demands Police Protection For Citizens During #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria Protests

The Take-It-Back Movement, a pro-democracy group, has formally notified the Inspector-General of Police of its plans 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.

In a letter dated July 26, 2024, written by the group’s lawyer, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, serves as formal notice of the upcoming gatherings and seeks police protection to ensure their peaceful execution.

The application according to the letter, is 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.” 

The Take-It-Back Movement’s letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) reveals that the planned meetings, rallies, and processions will take place from August 1 to 10, 2024, or potentially later, at the following locations:

“Eagle Square in Abuja, Public spaces in the capital cities of all 36 states and Headquarters of the 774 local government councils.”

“The events will commence at 8am and continue uninterrupted until their conclusion. Additionally, the meetings, rallies, and processions may spill over onto public highways and other areas of public access, according to Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, the group’s lawyer. 

“We will be glad to have the details of any police officer or police team that you may assign to cover the said meetings, rallies, processions in order to harmonize the plans and strategies of the said public meetings, rallies, processions.

“While thanking you for your kind consideration and support, you may wish to contact the undersigned for further information or inquiry,” the letter

 

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