Conference of Nigerian Political Parties {CNPP} is outraged over the ban of public rallies, demonstrations, processions, road shows and walk of any kind; by the Federal Capital Territory Police Command and calls on the Inspector General of Police to rescind the order.

For us freedom of assembly and freedom of association are the hallmarks of democracy; guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, African Charter on Peoples and Human Rights and UN Declaration of Human Rights.

We find it cogent to remind the Police that the obnoxious Public Order Act, a colonial instrument of oppression in the hands of the Police, was repealed in a profound judgment delivered by Justice Anwuli Chikere of Federal High Court and upheld by the Appeal Court in a suit instituted by the CNPP.

We challenge the Nigeria Police Force to embrace modern equipment which is in vogue across the globe, instead of resorting to strong arm tactics; which neither detect nor prevent crimes.

It is our considered view that a vigilant and mobile Police Force with modern equipment could have forestalled the mayhem of the independence anniversary, which claimed innocent lives, wounded many and rubbished the image of the country.

We therefore call on the Inspector General of Police as a matter of urgent national importance to cancel the ban and embark on the process of installation of modern equipment to fight.

http://www.saharareporters.com/press-release/ban-public-rally-abuja-open-letter-inspector-general-police