If you are planning to join the nationwide protest scheduled to take place on Nigeria’s Independence Day, October 1, then, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has a message for you.
The planned protest, tagged; FearlessInOctober, is no longer news.
For weeks, this nationwide protest organised by various civil society groups has been a topic of discussion on various platforms.
With this protest, many Nigerians aim to echo the prevailing hardships faced by the common man.
However, CP Ishola spoke during a town hall meeting held on Friday, attended by traditional rulers and religious leaders from across Lagos State.
He warned individuals or groups attempting to disrupt or hijack the forthcoming protest.
The police boss sternly warned against any breakdown of law and order.
“We are not stopping anybody from protesting, it is your legitimate right. We will protect all so that miscreants do not hijack it,” he said.
A Message To Protesters
The police boss echoed that the command would live up to its mandate.
That mandate is to ensure that no groups or individuals would be allowed to make violence and destroy property in the state.
“Protesters should not trample on other people’s rights or disrupt public peace. We will not condone any act of lawlessness or violence.
“Independence Day is a day of celebration, but some groups of people want to use that day for other purposes.
“We as security agencies, will do all within our best to ensure that we have a good turnout for the independence celebrations. The protesters should not disturb people who want to celebrate,” he said.
The CP added: “The police will enforce the court order restricting the nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardships 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.”
Right To Protest
Meanwhile, Dapo Amao, the Director of the Department of State Service in Lagos State, also shared his address at the meeting.
He echoed that citizens possess the right to protest or voice their dissatisfaction.
However, such actions must be conducted in a civilized manner.
Also Read: October 1: Will Nigerians Protest On Independence Day?
“We will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure lives and property are secured.
“We will provide an enabling environment for business to thrive and make sure that things do not get out of hand,” he said.
No Violence
Protesters, as he stated, ought to refrain from disrupting residents in their pursuit of lawful activities.
They must ensure that there is no harassment, disturbance, or destruction of public order.
He called upon citizens to allow the government the necessary time to rectify the situation.
Adedotun Keshinro, the State Commandant of the NSCDC also spoke.
Keshinro said: “Do not allow the protest to escalate to violence, If there must be protest, it must be peaceful.”
He also promised to collaborate with other security agencies to protect lives and property.