Lagos — Adequate security, law and order have been described as the real foundation upon which the success of all government initiatives toward good governance is anchored in the country.

The assertion was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Relations with Civil Society (SAP-CSO) Prince Chineme Ume-Ezeoke, in a goodwill message during an institutional capacity building programme for the Nigeria Police in Abuja.

At the event, which had the theme 'Policing Demonstrations and Civil Protests in a Democratic Dispensation', the Presidential aide cautioned the Nigeria Police to ensure that its approach in dealing with peaceful protests in the country is guided by the principles of the Rule of Law.

He informed the Police personnel that since democracy is now taking root in the country and the rule of law principle by the present administration, the people's rights to dissent will take a deeper root in the society.

"It is obvious that with the return to multi-party democratic governance, the space for civil liberties and freedom of expression of citizens has largely expanded" the Presidential aide further said, in an information provided by Mr. Chika Izuora, his media assistant.

He argued that the Nigerian Police should continuously align itself with the rule of law principle of the present administration by ensuring that it respects the law in the discharge of its duties, particularly when controlling demonstrations and civil protests.

This way, he said, the enabling environment created by President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua for successful application of rule of law will be enhanced, adding also that national security is a key component of the 7-Point Agenda of the present administration.

He said it is the responsibility of the men and officers of the Police to key into the vision with regard to rule of law by ensuring that it trickles down to the people through respect of their rights, even while containing demonstrations and civil protests.

Peaceful protest, Ume-Ezeoke further reminded, should be seen as part and parcel of democracy, as people reserve the right to express their feelings about government policies and several other issues that affect their lives.

He however condemned violent protests, which he said, has mostly led to breakdown of law and order, destruction of properties and at times loss of life of innocent citizens.

He insisted that in dealing with these protests the Police should apply the highest level of professionalism by avoiding unnecessary use of force that could further worsen the already tensed situation.

Ume-Ezeoke commended organisers of the programme, saying that such training usually bring to the fore the central role of the Police in enhancing national security through dialogue and peaceful democratic approach, especially during demonstrations and civil protests.