Police in Anambra State have warned that they will not sit back and watch anyone break the law if protesters decide to take the law into their hands.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Obiano Itam, stated this in a press release made available to journalists in Anambra and signed by the state police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.

The CP was obviously reacting to plans to protest the hardship in Nigeria on June 12, which is Democracy Day.

Ikenga, in the release, said: “The Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Obono Itam, urges Ndi Anambra and residents alike to dissociate themselves from any act that threatens our public peace and national unity.

“He reiterates that the Command shall live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and the right to the dignity of human persons.”

The command said after a critical threat analysis intelligence report showed that some persons and groups were mobilizing for a protest in the state on June 12, 2024.

It said: “Democracy Day, a day mapped out to commemorate the restoration of democracy in the country. The police envisage that the protest is capable of grounding all commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic in the state.

“We note the right of individuals or groups to advocate for any interest, but we emphasize the importance of adherence to the existing laws governing such activities.

“Police operatives have been deployed to different strategic areas, tasked with the responsibility to ensure the safety of lives and property, the free flow of traffic, and, most especially, a peaceful environment.”

The command wished the people of Anambra a Happy Democracy Day celebration and commended their cooperation and their resolve in sustaining the message of peace and standing up against any act that threatens our public peace.

It also encouraged the people of the state to remain law-abiding and vigilant, and to continue to partner with and support the police and other security agencies towards combating all forms of criminality, as well as ensuring public security and safety in the state.

Hardship: ‘We won’t tolerate it’ – Police warn Anambra residents against staging protest