The Nigeria Police, yesterday, announced a ban on all political, socio-cultural or religious gatherings within and around airport premises, including tarmacs, lounges and other sensitive security points.

It will be recalled that Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State on Tuesday accused the Police of preventing his supporters from gathering at the Port Harcourt International Airport when he hosted opposition governors in the state.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr M. D. Abubakar who announced the ban yesterday, said it was in line with international best practices, in order to safeguard the airports and their critical infrastructure as well as to prevent a situation where airports are turned into places of political assemblies, religious worship and other social receptions.
L-R Chief Bisi Akande, Interim National chairman, APC; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu former governor of Lagos State/APC Leader all acknowledging cheers from supporters Tuesday at the Rivers State Government house during a visit of the APC Leadership to Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

L-R Chief Bisi Akande, Interim National chairman, APC; Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu former governor of Lagos State/APC Leader all acknowledging cheers from supporters Tuesday at the Rivers State Government house during a visit of the APC Leadership to Rivers State. Photo: Nwankpa Chijioke

He pointed out that there are enough civic centres, town halls, and assembly halls for public meetings, carnivals and celebrations of all kinds.

In a statement from the Force Headquarters, the I-G said: “As part of deliberate efforts towards averting any security breach and the need to protect critical infrastructure, travellers, aircrew, airport staff and personnel at the nation’s local and international airports, the Nigeria Police High Command has placed a total ban on political, socio-cultural or religious gatherings within and around airport premises, including tarmacs, lounges and other sensitive security points”.

In line with the directive, the Force Headquarters, Abuja, directed the Airport Command Commissioners of Police, and Commissioners of Police in states hosting the airports to ensure that, in line with international best practices, firm security measures are taken to safeguard the airports and their critical infrastructure.

“They are also to prevent a situation where the airports are turned into places of political assemblies, religious worship and other social receptions, as there are enough civic centres, town halls, assembly halls etc for public meetings, carnivals and celebrations of all kinds”.

Disclosing that the Force was not unaware of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freedom of movement and assembly, the IG stated that “the enjoyment of these rights must be situated within the bounds of the law and appropriate civil behaviour.

“The Force, therefore, implores Nigerians to co-operate with the Police in the effort aimed at improving the maintenance of effective safety and security at all the nooks and crannies of the airports.”

He called on the Nigerian elite, political and opinion leaders to assist the Police in the education and enlightenment of their fans, admirers, supporters and followers on the need to abide by these rules, as failure to comply will attract appropriate legal sanctions.

eye4eye: PDP political animals are jittery about the crowd Amaechi brought to the airport. Does this rule apply to PEJ and PDP? Police are not meant to make law.

Inspector-General of Police, Mr
M. D. Abubakar who
announced the ban yesterday,
said it was in line with
international best practices, in
order to safeguard the
airports and their critical
infrastructure as well as to
prevent a situation where
airports are turned into places
of political assemblies,
religious worship and other
social receptions.

eye4eye: PDP political animals are jittery about the crowd Amaechi brought to the airport. Does this rule apply to PEJ and PDP? Police are not meant to make law.

safarigirl: I hope this doesn't mean we can't go and welcome our Golden Eaglets when they return with the U-17 trophy.

eye4eye: PDP political animals are jittery about the crowd Amaechi brought to the airport. Does this rule apply to PEJ and PDP? Police are not meant to make law.

Mr Aboki:



The bolded part shows you how lawless we are..


Meanwhile, PEJ always has an entourage on the Tarmac everytime she visits..

Why didnt they enforce this law during the funeral of President Jonathans Obese Wifes, foster mother?

oyb:

He is correct. The police enforce the law, they do not make it

emmy-richie:


Haba! Suppose a fight broke out between two opposition party members (thugs) in the airport which is the 1st place most foreigners encounter?

What would you expect them to think of Nigeria?

What if stray bullets killed a foreigner or another person?

Until recently, I've not heard where political ceremonies are held in airports... Correct me if I'm wrong.

Sometimes, it is good we open the eyes of our minds and try to see things from the neutral perspective.