The Nigeria Police Force on Sunday, April 6, 2025, expressed serious concerns about the motive behind the planned nationwide protest by the ‘Take It Back Movement” against bad governance.
The police said that while it was not against the exercise of citizens right to peaceful assembly and association in Nigeria as enshrined in the Constitution, It however advised the organizers to shelve this planned protest as it is ill-timed and mischievous.
The police particularly questioned why such a protest should be scheduled on the same day the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force to national security is to be celebrated, specifically against the backdrop the fact that the glamorous event would bring together dignitaries from all spheres of life both internationally and within the country, including Foreign Inspectors-General of Police and Diplomats.
The Police in a statement by ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, said that in line with best global practices adopted by nations in celebrating the achievements of its Police institution, the Nigerian Government has taken the bull by the horn by declaring every April 7, as National Police Day.
According to Adejobi; “The Nigeria Police Force has read in the news that a group called “Take it Back Movement” is planning a protest across various states of the Federation, most especially the Federal Capital Territory, scheduled to hold on Monday 7th April, 2025, a day earmarked by the Federal Government as the National Police Day, to celebrate the resilience and dedication of officers and men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“The rationale behind staging a nationwide protest on the same day is however questionable and perceived to be a deliberate attempt and unpatriotic act that is capable of rubbishing and maligning the image of the Nigeria Police and the nation as a whole.
ACP Adejobi said that the Nigeria Police under the leadership of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, while reaffirming the commitment of the Force to adequately carrying out its mandate in accordance with the Law and respect for rights of citizens, urged the organizers of the planned protest as well as individuals who intend to join the protest to pursue dialogue by engaging the proper institution of government to press home their demands.
