It is a well established fact that the democratic system of government is characterised by numerous categories of freedom and rights for the citizens. They may include freedom of speech, association, expression, the press, movement, peaceful protest, religion and many more.
These are enshrined in the constitution as human rights and citizens right charters. It is therefore the primary responsibility of any legitimate and democratically elected government to guarantee and protect these rights.
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However, in the exercise of the rights and freedoms, individuals should apply decorum and moderation in order not to trample the rights of others; undermine the power of government and subvert the sovereignty of the nation. Therefore, the freedom and rights are not in anyway license to deviance and lawlessness.
Whenever and wherever the exercise of some people’s rights seems or tends to threaten the lives and property of others, the government can use any security apparatus at its disposal to stop them.
The government has the responsibility to protect lives and livelihoods, maintain law and order, as well as safeguard sovereignty and security of the nation.In spite the legal framework and constitutional provisions that give citizens freedom, security agencies also are empowered to enforce compliance and obedience to constituted authorities. These they can do within their rules of engagement.
Enforcement of law requires the use of force and authority, though the application of force is in situations and circumstances that warrant the escalation and de-escalation of the force as the case may be. Usually, in the discharge of their (security agents) responsibilities, the use of intelligence is highly required. Various agencies cooperate and collaborate in intelligence gathering, dissemination and sharing. These occur within the intelligence circle, among stakeholders and concerned agencies exclusively.
No other person or group of persons can have access to this information in this regard. Only actions and measures taken on the intelligence can be seen by the public. They may include arrest, interrogation, and prosecution.
Usman Aliyu Elnafaty writes from Fadamar Jaji, Bauchi State
