TheCable

Former member of the federal house of representatives, Dino Melaye, has described as a “victory for democracy”, Wednesday’s ruling of the court in a suit he filed against inspector-general of police, Mohammed Abubakar and the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of police, Joseph Mbu.

Justice Abubakar Talba of Gudu High Court, Abuja, had ruled that the police had no power to stop rallies or peaceful protests in the FCT.

He also declared as lawful, the activities of the #BringBackOurGirls group, and ordered the police to desist from harassing members of the group.

“I want to believe it is a victory for the masses and social crusaders. It has been categorically declared that the police have no authority to ban or stop any procession, rally or demonstration whatsoever in the country,” Melaye told TheCable.

“There is a perpetual injunction restraining the police from arresting me, and also restraining them from stopping me from organising protests. Not only that, the IGP and the CP were given consequential orders to give a public apology to me in a national daily. And there is also some cost on the police.

“For me it is a victory for democracy. Nigerians should take advantage of this pronouncement to continue their agitation against maladministration, ineptitude and bad governance.”

Responding to the question of whether the police will respect the ruling of the court, Melaye — the executive-secretary of the Anti-corruption Network (ACN) — said: “We are the citizens of this country and power truly belongs to the people; we will make sure they comply with it.

“We have respect for the rule of law; we know our rights; and we know how the institutions of government work. The judgment is subsisting.”