The FCT Police
command has explained why it dispersed some protesters under the auspices of
Our-Mumu-Don-do Movement at Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja.
The
Police in a statement issued by its Public Relations Officer, DSP Anjuguri
Manzah, said some miscreants, hoodlums and other criminal elements had infiltrated
the protest hence the need to intervene and prevent a total breakdown of law
and order.
“It
will be recalled that ‘Our-Mumu-Don-do Movement’ carried out their protest on
Monday 7th August, 2017 at the same venue and were accorded necessary Police
presence to safe guard public safety and public peace, and protect their rights
to freedom of expression, rights to peaceful Assembly and Association, and
right to freedom of movement as provided for in sections 39, 40, and 41 of the
1999 constitution as amended.
“However,
today 8th August, 2017 the same group assembled at the same venue but allowed
miscreants, hoodlums and other unruly individuals to infiltrate the protests,
who started blocking the major roads adjoining the Unity fountain, obstructing
traffic and preventing movements of other innocent citizens from going to their
means of livelihood, and thereby exhibiting unruly behaviors and other violent
acts very likely to cause the breakdown of law and order and disturbance of
public peace.
“The
Police personnel intervened at the point that the concerned Nigerians Group
lost control of the crowd and prevented miscreants, hoodlums and other criminal
elements from hijacking the protest to cause mayhem and chaos.
“It
is pertinent to state here that the FCT Police command is fully aware and
recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen including “ Our Mumu Don
Do group” to assemble and move freely in any part of the Federal Capital
Territory, but the command will not allow any protest under any guise to turn
violent and jeopardise the prevailing peace, law and order currently being
enjoyed in the FCT.
“The
command wishes to assure all residents and visitors to the territory of
adequate security and protection of lives and property of everyone including
those who choose to express their constitutional rights of protest with
decorum.”
Consequently,
the Police called on residents to caution their wards not be instrumental
in the breakdown of law and order in the society.
“Members
of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other
interest groups are advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers
and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause
disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order,” the statement
read.
The
protesters under the ageis of Concerned Nigerians took to the streets on Monday
asking the President to resume or resign while demanding details of his
health status.
The
demand follows President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence from office as a result of
challenges surrounding his health.
He
has been in the United Kingdom for over 90 days where he has been
receiving medical treatment.
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