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10 September, 2005
Nigerian unions welcomed a recent ruling from the Abuja Federal High Court that struck down the controversial Public Order Act, which required citizens to obtain a police permit before staging any protest. Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution gave citizens the right to assemble and protest peacefully, and the court’s ruling supports that.
Said Nigerian Labour Congress President Adams Oshiomhole, “We have always believed the Constitution is superior to any other Act. If the colonial masters had cause to enact that law, a democratic government doesn’t need it because it makes a society of democratic right through police licensing.
Like any licensing, it can always be abused, as it has been abused.” Added Peter Akpatason, president of ICEM affiliate NUPENG, “The actual challenge is for the court to be able to implement or ensure that the ruling is obeyed because in Nigeria of today, it is obvious that obedience to court judgments has become selective.”
Labour leaders in Nigeria were sharply critical of acting Inspector General of Police Sunday Ehindero who publicly stated the police would appeal the High Court ruling.