Nigerian Police and the selective application of the law on Protest




In his article on February 10, 2017; Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana explained the rights of Nigerians to protest against Government and to do so without needing prior permission and that the only involvement of the police in such protest should be restricted to providing security to the protesters. What appears to have happened within the last 2 months is a selective application of the Nigerian constitution by the Nigerian Police.

As widely reported, when Resume and Resign started the protest of the continued absence of President Buhari. They were met with a high handed clampdown, however  later when Arewa youths also gathered in Abuja to protest against Nnamdi Kanu the same Police led the Arewa youths in an orderly fashion through Shehu Shagari way as they made their views known. Later when Resume or Resign came back to carry on with their protest, there seemed to be a change of tactics; a bunch of hoodlums were deployed to attack the “Resume or Resign group” while the police stood by and watched. Going away from Abuja to Anambra; there are reports that police allegedly used guns on IPOB protesters in Ekwulobia, there is no known State of Emergency in Anambra and the rights of IPOB members to protest are also guaranteed under the law.
Looking at the 4 scenarios above, it appears the police are choosing to apply different rules depending on the political persuasion of the protesters. Section 39, 40 and 41 guarantees the right of all Nigerians to assemble freely and express their political views through protest and civil disobedience under the protection of the Nigerian Police. In fact there are even details of High Court and Appeal courts precedence which Mr Falana referred to that supports the rights of Nigerians under the aforementioned sections of the constitution.

The Inspection General of Police must appreciate that while it is true that he reports to the President, he and his force also have a duty under law to protect the rights of all Nigerians regardless of their political leanings.

See below link for full details of Femi Falana’s take on the right of Nigerians to protest against Government

http://wizz-poll.com/2017/08/17/nigerian-police-and-the-selective-application-of-the-law/

Watching in 3D

T

Police is our Friend, aren't they?

Police is a small a case.

come to Benue where Fulani are killing in the name of herdsmen, you won't see any soldier.

Any day we mobilise to protect ourselves, then what happened to Zakibiam will repeat itself.


That's why I don't understand some of our people who still defend Nigeria.

Nigeria is bad news...

right to protest if guaranteed in the constitution

http://wizz-poll.com/2017/08/17/nigerian-police-and-the-selective-application-of-the-law/

Flog any eediot.

shekau and his crew fall on NPF
especially that idiot igp