Only identifiable protesters will be allowed, says Anambra CP

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, Nnaghe Obono Itam, has insisted that only identifiable protesters in the state would be allowed to participate during the proposed nationwide hunger protest starting on August 1.

Itam cautioned that any form of violence or unlawful activities during the protest would not be tolerated.

The CP stated this in Awka, on Friday, adding that protesters should go and identify themselves at their nearest police locations, adding that only the identifiable protesters will be protected, noting that faceless individuals will not be allowed to participate.

He said the Command would not stop people from protesting, but any action that threatens the fragile peace in the state would not be tolerated.

He said, “There is a need to be cautious as some people may attempt to hijack the protest to perpetrate crimes or victimise others, including those who are not involved in the protest.

“I want to state clearly that the Police is mandated to regulate assemblies and protect peaceful protesters who are identified, as well as their routes and or locations of interest. But, the command would not tolerate any violence or any protest that threatened the fragile peace in the state.

“Intended protesters should visit the Command for proper identification. We are not stopping any law-abiding citizen not to protesting, but should be peaceful and orderly. We want those who wish to participate in the August 1 protest to identify themselves properly with the security agencies in the state and also the location where the protest will take place.

“Our responsibility is to protect the lives and property of every Nigeria irrespective of anywhere he/she resides in Nigeria.”

He further added that faceless persons would not be allowed to protest, stating that he had made it clear that protesters on that occasion must identify themselves.

The CP’s position corroborated with the position of Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, who urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.