Against warning by the police, the “Take it Back Movement” led by Omoyele Sowore Monday staged its protests simultaneously in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and in other parts of the nation.
Political Economist NG reports that Sowore who coordinated the protests used his social media handles to send out messages. He tweeted “The ignoble @PoliceNG officers were deployed and they attacked us during today’s #RepealTheCyberCrimeAct protest in Abuja; #EgbetokunMustGo, #RevolutionNow”.
Sowore, in Abuja with the protesters and members of RevolutionNow Movement called on Egbetokun to go, insisting that his tenure had expired.
The message of the protesters was the same. They called for a repeal of the Cybercrime Act, resignation of IGP Kayode Egbetokun, and a call for revolution now to sweep away bad governance and corruption in high places, reports Political Economist NG.
In Lagos, the protesters chanted songs calling President Bola Tinubu names and urging him to sack Egbetokun whom Sowore repeatedly tagged “illegal Inspect General of Police.”
In Port Harcourt, Political Economist NG reports that police personnel attacked protesters, dispersing them with teargas and forcing passersby to run in different directions for safety.
Political Economist NG reports that the Nigeria Police Force has earlier on Sunday in a statement warned the group not to embark on any protest as it was scheduled to hold on a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“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,” the statement said.
The police said 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,” the police warned.
