Delta Police ban public processions and protests

Delta State Police Command yesterday announced a ban on all public processions and protests of any kind across the state without the express permission and protection of the police.

In a statement on Tuesday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mr Akali Baba Usman, said the ban was advised by the determination of the police “to safeguard public safety.”

Alkali said noted that the order would take “immediate effect” and warned that the police would invoke severe sanction against any group or individuals who violate the no-procession order across the state as authorised by the laws of the land.

The statement, signed on behalf if the state police chief by Mrs Celestina Kalu (DSP), the command’s spokeswoman, said: “The general public is hereby informed that the Delta State Police Command has banned all forms of public procession/protest in all parts of the state with immediate effect. This decision has been taken in order to safe guard public safety.

“Any groups, unions, associations or individuals caught violating this directive will be severely sanctioned according to the law irrespective of the status of such groups, unions or individuals.”

It appealed to the people to cooperate fully with the police in ensuring compliance with the directive meant to the execution of its statutory function of protecting lives and property through the maintenance of law and order in the state.

It however assured law-abiding members of the public of adequate protection from the police and other law enforcement agencies in the state, urging those wishing to embark on any forms of procession or peaceful protest to formally ask for appreciate “police protection.”

“Law abiding citizens are advised to go about their lawful businesses and report any person(s), unions or associations trying to breach public peace promptly to the police or other security agencies”, adding, “However, groups, unions or associations wishing to carry out peaceful procession are advised to seek police protection.”

Usman nonetheless said that the police command had “reinvigorated its security apparatus to ensure the safety of all law abiding residents of the state and public utilities in the New Year”, while suing for sustained support and cooperation of good spirited individuals and corporate bodies to enable the police succeed checking the activities of criminals in the state.


Credit: ThisDay