A group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens and Democratic Actors have raised concerns to a recent press release by the Kaduna State Police Command alleging “political violence meetings” and warning venues against hosting political gatherings without prior police notification.
By Moses Kolo
A group under the aegis of Concerned Citizens and Democratic Actors have raised concerns to a recent press release by the Kaduna State Police Command alleging “political violence meetings” and warning venues against hosting political gatherings without prior police notification.
Recall that chaos erupted at the official inauguration of a transition committee jointly set up by opposition parties in Kaduna State on Saturday as suspected thugs stormed the event, attacking the participants and vandalising property.
In a swift reaction, the Kaduna State Police Command issued a statement warning that hotels, event centres or similar facilities that permit political meetings or gatherings without prior notification to the Police or relevant security agencies would equally be held liable.
In a statement signed by Malam Umar Yahya, spokesperson of the group, it described the directive as “unconstitutional and undemocratic,” insisting that it amounted to criminalising democratic rights.”
Umar said: “Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, guarantees the right of citizens to freely assemble and associate as notifying the police is not the same as seeking permission.
“The attempt to intimidate hotels, event centres, and political actors by threatening sanctions is a dangerous slide towards authoritarianism.
“Nigeria’s democracy was hard won, and we will not allow it to be suffocated under the guise of security.”
The group further urged on the National Human Rights Commission, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the media to resist what they described as a “creeping clampdown on democratic space.”
They also urged ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s international partners to take note of the development.
While pledging to remain peaceful and law-abiding, the group reiterated its commitment to defending democracy in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
“We will not be intimidated into abandoning our democratic rights,” Umar concluded. (NAN)