Nigerian activist, Omoyele Sowore, has implored the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, and officers of the Nigeria Police Force to honour their oath to protect citizens and respect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly ahead of Monday’s #FreeNnamdiKanuNow march.
The widely publicized protest, billed for Monday, October 20, and aimed at pressing for the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has already drawn legal and security concerns.
The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, in a statement on Sunday, has directed his men to be on high alert and ensure strict enforcement of the court order.
He also ordered all relevant commands to maintain visible deployments across strategic locations in Abuja to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
But in a statement shared on his social media on Sunday, Sowore urged the new FCT police boss not to adopt a heavy-handed approach to the demonstration.
Sowore called on CP Dantawaye and every police officer to refuse any order that would violate protesters’ rights and to ensure the safety of marchers.
He warned that any use of excessive force or unlawful arrests would attract repercussions,” saying Nigerians would hold accountable anyone who attempts brutality.
