The Bauchi State Police Command has enhanced security measures to ensure a peaceful June 12 Democracy Day celebration.
CSP Ahmed Mohammed Wakil, BauchinPolice Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said this in a statement he emailed to reporters today in Bauchi.
He said the command under the leadership of Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu is implementing a range of security measures to ensure a safe and enjoyable Democracy Day celebration for all citizens in accordance with the directives of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun.
Wakil said a critical meeting took place at the State Headquarters. Participants included Heads of Departments, Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders, and Divisional Police Officers (DPOs).
The objective of this meeting was to formulate strategies for effectively deploying resources across the state, thereby ensuring law and order in key public areas.
“Furthermore, the Commissioner of Police has engaged with relevant stakeholders, including the Coalition of Nigerian Youth on Security and Safety Affairs (CONYASSA), to foster collaboration and facilitate seamless festivities on Democracy Day”.
He said “all officers assigned for this occasion have been instructed to exercise vigilance, maintain professionalism, and demonstrate courtesy in their interactions with the public. A clear directive has been established to proactively address activities threatening public peace during the celebrations”.
Police Spokesman said “Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori conveys his sincere congratulations to the residents of Bauchi State and all Nigerians as they commemorate this significant occasion. He encourages citizens to reflect on the nation’s progress, honour the contributions of past leaders, and actively promote unity and peaceful coexistence”.
“The command wishes to make it unequivocally clear that any individual or group seeking to instigate disorder or disrupt the peaceful observance of Democracy Day celebrations in the state will face the full extent of the law”.
” the command is prepared to utilise all available resources and efforts to bolster the already-deployed forces and suppress any attempts by individuals to infringe upon citizens’ rights and undermine democracy within the state”.
He said, “Commissioner of Police CP Sani-Omolori Aliyu,urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to encourage their wards and protégés to refrain from becoming unwitting participants in any actions that may disrupt the prevailing peace within the state, and emphasises the need to avoid incitement through inflammatory remarks and provocative actions, as such behaviours will jeopardise the fragile peace currently enjoyed by the citizens”.
Wakil said “The Bauchi State Police Command remains dedicated to safeguarding lives and properties throughout the Democracy Day celebrations and beyond”
Youth group planned peacefull protest in 20 out of the 36 states, Bauchi was reported among the state and already the protesters identified Yelwa near College of Agriculture as the venue of the protest.
Barrister Nuhu Aliyu, a legal practitioner in Bauchi, said “Protesting is not a request; it is a constitutional right. sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) grant every Nigerian the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. No law gives the police the power to crush or criminalist peaceful dissent.”
When our correspondent visited the venue for the protest, there was no sign of anything but people were going about their normal business.
Residents of Yelwa said ” definitely the protestant will come out since they have announced it , since they only assembly and send their messages and dispersed.
“Even last year the protestant young and old, working class and unemployed, angry and awake,take to the streets in peaceful protest against the unbearable insecurity and economic hardship that have strangled this nation.”
“The organisers used to explained to us that June 12 is not a date for silence but a reminder that Nigerians never begged for freedom. Nigerians have fought for it. And we will continue to fight, peacefully but fearlessly, until this country works for all of us.”
