Police Warns Citizens Against Violent Protests, Describes Tampering with National Grid as Criminal Offence
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned citizens planning to stage protests across the country on Wednesday, June 12 to desist from violent acts.
NPF described tampering with the national grid as a criminal offence – and also kicked against the disruption of other critical infrastructures.
This comes following the plans of some groups and citizens to express their dissatisfaction over the economic challenges in the country on the commemoration of Democracy day.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi on Tuesday night, the NPF emphasised that the right of citizens to protest is a right to peaceful protest only.
“The Nigeria police will protect the rights of all citizens including those on peaceful protest. However, no decent society anywhere in the world will tolerate violent destruction of lives and properties in the name of a protest. While the NPF is committed to protecting the rights of those on peaceful protest, it will not look on to see the rights of others being violated in the name of a mass protest.
“Those who want to stage a peaceful protest are advised to inform the police and request for police protection. Those who do otherwise should be ready to face the full weight of the law. Members of the public are again reminded that it is a criminal offence to tamper with the national grid or prevent/disrupt the transmission of electricity.
“It is equally unacceptable to cause disruption to any other Critical Infrastructure such as airports, hospitals and other essential services, or violent picketing in whatever magnitude,” the statement reads in part.
The Force reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order – and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
It also warned that any attempt to disrupt critical infrastructure, which could lead to an act of economic sabotage, treasonable felony, and jeopardize national security and public safety, will not be condoned during any protest action and will be met with the full force of the law.
On his part, the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun directed all Zonal Assistant Inspectors General of Police and State Command Commissioners of Police to collaborate with other security agencies to ensure that robust security arrangements are in place.
He also called for strategic deployments to protect key infrastructures, noting that it will help to prevent any breakdown of law and order in the case of protest, thereby making it peaceful and lawful.
The Police appealed to parents and guardians to warn their wards not to be used by disgruntled and misguided individuals who are mobilizing for violent protest with intent to create anarchy, stressing that “such individuals are also advised to shelve their unpatriotic and clandestine plans in their own interest.”
It further stated that it remain dedicated to upholding the rights of citizens while ensuring that public order is maintained.
