The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has warned that the police will treat the planned “Revolution March” organised some groups in Nigeria as a treasonable felony and act of terrorism, warning that the Force will deal ruthlessly with anyone who tries to breach the law of the land.
The IGP gave this warning in a statement issued on Saturday by Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba.
Part statement reads in part: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to a video circulating on the social media by the ‘Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria and others,’ inciting Nigerians, home and abroad, to join a planned ‘revolution’ march against the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Monday, 5th August, 2019 with the sole aim of forcing a regime change in the country.
“The Force wishes to state unequivocally that the call amounts to treasonable felony and acts of terrorism and will therefore not stand idly-by and watch any individual or group in the society cause anarchy in the land. While acknowledging the rights of Nigerians to embark on protest, the Force wishes to note that such rights should not translate to a violent and forceful change of government which clearly is the meaning of ‘revolution’. Needless to state that Nigeria is a democratic republic and has well-defined processes for change of government, exercised periodically during various cycle of elections.
“The Force therefore warns the organizers, sponsors, allies, supporters, associates and sympathizers of the group ‘Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria’ to, in their own interest, steer clear of any such planned protest, demonstration, acts of incitement and proposed “revolution”, as the full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any individual or group engaged or found participating in the above planned criminal act,” the Police said.
“Parents and Guardians are therefore enjoined to impress on their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used in whatever form by any person or group of persons to cause breach of law and order in the country. The Police will work with other Law Enforcement Agencies and positive-minded Nigerians to protect, defend and secure our public peace and space,” the statement said.
One of the acclaimed organisers of the planned protest, Omoyele Sowore, was arrested by security operatives on Saturday but the Nigerian Intervention Movement-The Third Force Movement and other groups have vowed to stage the protest nationwide over what they consider as bad governance.
