CP Uzuegbu Enforces Law: Protest Applications Now Mandatory In Enugu

CP Uzuegbu Enforces Law: Protest Applications Now Mandatory In Enugu

The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Police Command, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has said intending protesters in the state must apply and get approved to go ahead.

Kanayo Uzuegbu also advised Enugu residents not to engage in the planned hunger protest. He said intelligence indicated there are plans by hoodlums to hijack the August protest.

In a statement on Monday, signed by the command’s public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, CP Uzuebgu said the command cannot afford to allow a repeat of the Endsars experience in the state.

The statement read, “Following the trending planned nationwide protest and the need to protect lives, property, and critical national assets, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, has warned against acts of violence and breach of public peace by individuals or groups in the name of protest.

“The warning, he says, is considering available intelligence revealing the sinister plans of criminal elements to infiltrate, hijack the planned protest, and unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens and property in the State.

“The intelligence, the Commissioner further states, shows that the hoodlums, as experienced during the violent Endsars protests, intend to attack fellow citizens, destroy public and private property, and perpetrate acts of looting. However, he reiterates the collaborative commitment of the police and other security forces to deal decisively with such criminal elements.”

CP Uzuegbu said he recognized the right of citizens to protest but must be done in line with the Public Order Act.

He added that protesters must first apply to his office, stating their leaders, date, time, takeoff place and duration of the protest. He said the application would be thoroughly assessed before approval.

“Furthermore, the CP recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to lawfully assemble and express their grievances, as currently touted. However, he stresses that it will be completely unacceptable for them to allow such assemblies or protests to be hijacked and made to become violent, especially in these challenging times.

“Consequently, the CP has cautioned those intending to carry out the planned protest in Enugu State to find reasons to shelve the plans, given the available intelligence, and seek alternative peaceful means to express their grievances.

“Nevertheless, the Commissioner emphasizes that proceeding with the idea will require them to strictly adhere to existing laws, particularly the Public Order Act. Hence, they must apply, stating their leaders, date, time, place of takeoff, and duration of the exercise, subject to thorough assessment and approval of such applications,” the statement added.