Human rights activist Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN) has formally notified security agencies, requesting protection for planned public meetings, rallies, and processions organized by the non-governmental organization, the Take It Back Movement, its members, and other patriotic Nigerians and groups.
In a letter dated Friday, July 26, 2024, Adegboruwa, acting as the solicitor for the Take It Back Movement, informed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) about the upcoming rallies.
The rallies are scheduled to commence from August 1 to 10, 2024, or any time thereafter, the Senior Advocate of Nigeria explained.
Adegboruwa specified that the rallies will be held at Eagle Square in Abuja and various public spaces in the capital cities of the 36 states, as well as the headquarters of the 774 local government councils.
He emphasized the crucial role of security agencies during such rallies and protests, urging their leadership to provide details of any officers or teams that will be assigned to cover these events, adding that this would help in harmonizing plans and strategies for the rallies.
It is noteworthy that the government and security agencies had previously labeled the organizer of the proposed protest a ‘faceless’ group.
In Abuja, the police have vowed to resist violence during the planned nationwide protest slated for August 1 as the planned protest is expected to be held at Eagle Square according to the organizers.
A statement by FCT Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Josephine Adehearlier today (Friday, July 27) said the FCT Command has deployed a total of 4,200 police officers to curb any form of violence that might arise during the protest.
According to Adeh, the command has proactively deployed material and human resources across the nooks and crannies of the nation’s capital.
Adeh also stressed that the deployment is aimed at ensuring public safety, protecting protesters, and preventing protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.
