The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has warned Nigerians to steer clear of a revolution nationwide march billed to commence on Monday.
The force while issuing the warning in a statement it released on Saturday, described the yet-to-begin peaceful assembly as a treasonable felony.
The march championed by opposition leader, Omoyele Sowore, who publishes Sahara Reporters, seeks to draw attention to the various alleged misgovernance bedeviling the nation.
Mr Sowore was picked up by operatives of the State Security Services (SSS) early Saturday morning. He is still been detained as at press time with the organisers of the planned march vowing to take to the street to demonstrate.
Warning parents and guardians to caution their wards against participating, the Police vowed to deal ruthlessly with anyone found on the street with revolution tags.
“While acknowledging the rights of Nigerians to embark on protest, the Force wishes to note that such rights should not translate to a violent and forceful change of government which clearly is the meaning of ‘revolution’,” the force said in a statement.
“Needless to state that Nigeria is a democratic republic and has well-defined processes for change of government, exercised periodically during various cycle of elections.
“The Force therefore warns the organizers, sponsors, allies, supporters, associates and sympathisers of the group ‘Global Coalition for Security and Democracy in Nigeria’ to, in their own interest, steer clear of any such planned protest, demonstration, acts of incitement and proposed “revolution”, as the full wrath of the law will be brought to bear on any individual or group engaged or found participating in the above planned criminal act.
“Parents and Guardians are therefore enjoined to impress on their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used in whatever form by any person or group of persons to cause breach of law and order in the country.
“The Police will work with other Law Enforcement Agencies and positive minded Nigerians to protect, defend and secure our public peace and space,” the statement concluded.
