The convener of the #RevolutionNow movement, Omoyele Sowore, has called on the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath to protect citizens and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest.
The planned march, scheduled for Monday, October 20, aims to demand the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and has already drawn legal and security attention.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a statement on Sunday, directed his officers to remain on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of court orders. He also instructed all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments across strategic areas in Abuja to prevent any breakdown of law and order.
However, in a statement shared on his social media page, Sowore urged the new FCT police boss not to adopt a heavy-handed approach to the demonstration. He appealed to CP Dantawaye and every police officer to reject any directive that infringes on the rights of protesters and to ensure their safety throughout the march.
Sowore warned against the use of excessive force or unlawful arrests, stressing that Nigerians would hold accountable any individual or institution involved in acts of brutality.
He stated, “Any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests will attract repercussions. The Nigerian people will hold accountable those who attempt brutality swiftly. Times are changing fast, and our citizens have been taken advantage of for too long. We are calling on CP Dantawaye and every officer of the Nigeria Police Force to uphold their oath of allegiance to Nigerians, protect citizens, and respect the inalienable right to peaceful assembly.”
Nnamdi Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021. He faces a seven-count charge bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony.
The IPOB leader was first arrested in 2015, granted bail in 2017, and fled after a military invasion of his home in Abia State. Despite several court rulings ordering his release, the Federal Government has yet to comply, a situation that continues to fuel public outrage and renewed agitation.
Credit- Punch Newspaper
