We did not ban peaceful rallies – Police

The Police High Command on Tuesday denied that it ever banned peaceful rallies in the country.

The denial followed the uproar that greeted that pronouncement by the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mbu Joseph Mbu, that members of the Bring Back Our Girls campaign were no longer allowed to continue their protest in Abuja.

The members of the group, led by a former Minister of Education, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, have since headed to the court.

However, contrary to the position of Mbu, the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Frank Mba, said on Tuesday that the police never banned peaceful rallies.

Mba said no such order exists.

He, however, said there was the need to be cautious in view of the security situation in the country.

He said: “It (Police High Command) notes however that against the backdrop of current security challenges in the country, coupled with a recent intelligence report of a likely infiltration and hijack of otherwise innocuous and peaceful protests by some criminal elements having links with insurgents, the Police only issued advisory notice, enjoining citizens to apply caution in the said rallies, particularly in the Federal Capital Territory and its environs.

Mba said peaceful rallies are the rights of Nigerians, adding that the Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has stressed the need for the organizers of such rallies to ensure that they seek proper advice and guidance from the Police before engaging in any such exercise so as to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.

He added: “The IGP calls on the general public to see the present position of the Force as a necessary sacrifice for the peace our nation needs, as security is a collective responsibility.

“Consequently, citizens are strongly advised to reconsider their positions on the issues of rallies and protests in FCT until the existing threats are appropriately neutralized and removed from our midst by relevant security agencies.

“Meanwhile, the IGP reassures citizens of the commitment of the Force to the protection of lives and property and advancing the course of democracy in Nigeria.”