As the planned nationwide protest on October 1 approaches, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has issued a strong warning to potential protesters, emphasizing the need for lawful conduct during the event.
The warning was delivered during a town hall meeting organized by the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja on Friday, where security stakeholders discussed measures to maintain peace and order.
“There is no plan to stop anyone from protesting, as it is your legitimate right,” stated Mr. Ishola. However, he stressed that the police presence would be heightened to prevent any unlawful acts, adding, “We will protect all, so that miscreants do not hijack it.”
The police commissioner underscored that while protests are a fundamental right, they must not infringe on the rights of others or disrupt public peace.
He cautioned, “We will not condone any act of lawlessness or violence. Independence Day is a day for celebration, and the protesters should not disturb those who wish to celebrate.”
Protest to Be Restricted to Gani Fawehinmi Park
To ensure orderliness during the upcoming protest, Mr. Ishola revealed that a court order would be enforced, restricting demonstrations in Lagos to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota.
“The protesters must keep within the ambience of what the law says. No other place in Lagos is approved,” he affirmed.
The commissioner also reassured Lagosians that security forces would prevent any attempt to create chaos or destroy property, asserting the command’s commitment to maintaining peace throughout the state.
Collaborative Efforts Among Security Agencies
In addition to the police commissioner, the Lagos State Director of the State Security Service (SSS), Dapo Amao, emphasized that while citizens have the right to express their displeasure, protests must remain peaceful and civilised.
He warned of the potential for hoodlums to hijack the demonstrations, thereby breaching law and order.
“We will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure lives and property are secured. We will provide an enabling environment for businesses to thrive and make sure that things do not get out of hand,” Mr. Amao stated.
He urged protesters to respect the rights of others, allowing residents to move freely without harassment.
Adedotun Keshinro, the Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Lagos State, echoed these sentiments, calling on those planning violent protests to reconsider. “If there must be a protest, it must be peaceful and should not affect the rights of others,” he said.
He assured residents that the NSCDC, in collaboration with other security agencies, would work to safeguard lives and property during the event.
Community and Stakeholder Involvement
The town hall meeting saw participation from various community and stakeholder groups, including leaders from the Arewa and Ndigbo communities, traditional leaders, student union representatives, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and traders.
These representatives were encouraged to spread the message within their communities that security forces would not tolerate any acts of lawlessness or violence during the protest.
