Nigerian pop star, Tuface Idibia and other groups planning to hold rallies for or against the government in Lagos and other states have been asked to shelve their plans by the Police.
In a statement on Friday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, the Police Headquarters said it is in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups were planning to hold a counter protest on the same days at the same places as that of the Tuface Group.
If the various planned protests are held as scheduled, the Police said there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
The statement reads: “Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regard to the planned protest/demonstrations, and as the lead security agency in the country, is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen (including Tuface and his group) to assemble and move freely in any part of the country.
“In this regard, the Force is also cognizant of its constitutional responsibilities of taking any proactive/preventive security measures in the interest of public safety, public order, public morality or public health and for the purposes of protecting lives and property, as well as the constitutional rights and freedom of other citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force is currently in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups are equally planning to hold a counter protest/matches on the same days at the same places/cities as the Tuface Group.
“If these various planned protests/demonstrations are held as scheduled, that there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
“To this end, the Nigeria Police Force deems it imperative to issue this press release that Innocent Idibia (a.k.a Tuface) and his group are hereby advised strongly to shelve their planned peaceful protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the other opposing groups are equally advised strongly to shelve its planned counter protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to employ every possible legal means for the maintenance of law and order; and for the protection of lives and property.
“Consequently, members of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups are strongly advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order.”