Akwa Ibom Police: Ban Political Rallies Without Permit

• The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has mandated that all political parties and support groups must obtain permission before holding public rallies or meetings.
• Commissioner of Police Baba Mohammed Azare stated this directive aims to prevent violence, manage traffic, and ensure public safety by coordinating security.
• Organizers are required to formally notify the Police in advance, providing details such as date, time, venue, and expected participant numbers.
• The Police emphasize this measure is not to hinder lawful political activities but to prevent clashes and protect the rights of all citizens.
• Individuals or groups causing trouble, engaging in thuggery, or disrupting public order at such events will face legal action.

Lawyers advising political parties, support groups, or organizations planning public political gatherings in Akwa Ibom State must now ensure their clients formally notify and obtain permission from the Police Command well in advance to avoid legal repercussions, event disruption, or potential clashes.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has issued a stern warning to political parties and their affiliated support groups regarding the organization of public rallies, processions, campaigns, and meetings. Under a new directive, such large-scale political gatherings are now prohibited unless organizers first secure formal permission from the Command. This significant announcement, made via a press statement signed on Monday in Uyo, underscores the authorities' commitment to maintaining peace and order during political activities.

Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, articulated that the primary purpose of requiring Police permission for political campaigns and other events is to proactively mitigate potential disruptions. The Command aims to prevent political thugs, troublemakers, and other individuals from exploiting these gatherings to instigate violence or disturb public tranquility. This measure is positioned not as an impediment to legitimate political expression but as a crucial step towards ensuring public safety and security across Akwa Ibom State.

The directive from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command is designed to avert potential conflicts arising from overlapping political activities. CP Azare explained that obtaining permission is essential to prevent clashes between political parties or groups whose events might inadvertently be scheduled for the same time, venue, or route. Beyond conflict prevention, this Nigeria political meeting permit requirement also enables the Police to deploy adequate security personnel, effectively manage traffic flow, and safeguard both participants and the wider public during such events.

Organizers of any Akwa Ibom public assembly notification are now mandated to communicate with the Police sufficiently in advance of their planned activities. This notification must clearly specify the date, time, venue, the anticipated number of participants, and, where applicable, the proposed routes for processions or rallies. The Command emphasized that this proactive engagement allows for proper security coordination, ensuring that the rights and activities of one political entity do not infringe upon the safety, rights, or activities of others.

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command political gatherings directive explicitly states that while the measure is not intended to frustrate lawful political activities, strict adherence is expected. Political leaders are urged to counsel their supporters, ensuring that all activities remain peaceful and are properly coordinated with relevant security authorities. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining an orderly political environment.

Individuals or groups found to be in violation of this directive, or those engaging in disruptive behavior, will face legal repercussions. The Police have made it clear that troublemakers, individuals involved in thuggery, those carrying offensive weapons, intimidating opponents, destroying property, unlawfully blocking public roads, provoking rival groups, or committing any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order will be dealt with decisively. Lawyers advising political parties, support groups, or organizations planning public political gatherings in Akwa Ibom State must now ensure their clients formally notify and obtain permission from the Police Command well in advance to avoid legal repercussions, event disruption, or potential clashes.

Lawyers advising political parties, support groups, or organizations planning public political gatherings in Akwa Ibom State must now ensure their clients formally notify and obtain permission from the Police Command well in advance to avoid legal repercussions, event disruption, or potential clashes.

Source: Original reporting via Daily Trust