- Judge orders police to protect protesters
- Bishop: don’t follow Kenya route
Should the organisers of the planned protest insist on going ahead with it in Lagos, they must restrict themselves to two locations — Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, and Peace Park, Ketu — a High Court ruled yesterday.
Justice Emmanuel Ogundare of the Lagos High Court issued the restriction following a pre-emptive ex-parte application filed by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro (SAN).
Pedro told the court that the injunction was to maintain law and order, ensure public safety and prevent loss of lives and property.
Also yesterday, Police Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun advised two lawyers backing the proposed protest to liaise with the Police Commissioners in charge of state police commands for guidelines on street procession.
The IG gave the admonition to Messrs Femi Falana (SAN) and Ebun Olu-Adegboruwa (SAN) during a meeting.
In Ibadan, Oyo State capital, soldiers, police, Directorate of State Service(DSS) and other security agencies marched through major streets in a joint show of force ahead of tomorrow’s action.
From Nairobi came an advice from an activist priest: don’t copy the bad example from Kenya.
Political leaders, including House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, appealed to the promoters of the protest to have a rethink in the national interest.
Court restricts potential protesters to two locations
Pedro, who shed light on the court injunction, alleged that the organisers planned to shut down Lagos State and sabotage its economy.
The defendants/respondents in the suit instituted by him are Adamma Ukpabi and Tosin Harsogba (for Active Citizens Group); Comrade Juwon Sanyaolu and Hassan Soweto (for Take it Back Movement); Persons unknown and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State.
Moving the application, Pedro argued that as the Chief Law Officer of Lagos, and being privy to notices by different interests who are for and against the nationwide protest, there is a need to protect the critical infrastructure and prevent a recurrence of the 2020 violent and destructive #EndSARS protest.
The Attorney-General said since the police do not have sufficient manpower to provide security for the protesters in all the local government highways and other public areas, there is a need to restrict them to particular locations.
He argued that it is important to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums planning to wreak havoc in the guise of protesting against alleged bad governance.
Pedro said: “In recognition of the citizens’ fundamental right to stage a public protest against government policies and actions, but prevent unlawful destruction of lives and properties in the process, the Lagos State Government has designated two public spaces and locations in the state where citizens can meet and converge to protest or express their displeasure against government.
“The locations are Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park, Ketu, Lagos State.
“Public protest in all the local government councils and public highways as well as other areas of public access in the state for 10 days is a deliberate plan to shut down the state and if this is allowed, it will amount to economic sabotage.
“An order of the court is required in the circumstances to protect the fundamental rights of first to fifth defendants/respondents to protest and other residents opposed to the protest to go about their lawful engagements without harassment, disturbance and destruction of public buildings/properties.”
Justice Ogundare, who granted the injunction, said: “An order of pre-emptive remedy by way of interim injunction is hereby granted restraining the first to fifth defendants/respondents whether by themselves, their agents, privies, servants or any other person(s) acting through them from converging and carrying out their proposed peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings in Lagos State from the 1st-10th August 2024 except in the approved designated location for peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings, to wit: Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road, Ojota, Lagos State and Peace Park Ketu Lagos from 8 .00 am to 6pm pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the claimant.
“An order of pre-emptive remedy by way of interim preservative order is hereby granted directing the sixth defendant (CP) to protect the fundamental rights of the first to fifth defendants/respondents to freedom of association, peaceful public protest, procession and tallies in the approved designated location for peaceful public protest, rallies and meetings in Lagos State, to wit: Gani Fawehinm Freedom Park, Ikorodu Road Ojota, Lagos and Peace Park, Ketu Lagos from 8am to 6pm on August 1-10, 2024 pending compliance with the pre-action protocol by the Claimant.”
The court also ordered the police to provide security and traffic management support to the protest organisers at the designated locations.
Egbetokun to Falana, Adegboruwa, others: avoid street procession
Egbetokun, who held a virtual meeting with Falana, Adegboruwa (SAN) and other key members of the ‘Take It Back Movement,’ directed them to contact state police commissioners for guidelines on the proposed protest.
The meeting followed Adegboruwa’s letter to the Inspector-General to provide police protection for protesters.
Before yesterday’s meeting, Egbetokun, in his response letter of July 29, 2024, directed senior police officers to attend to the request of the legal luminaries.
During the meeting, the IGP emphasised the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the protest.
He acknowledged the group’s right to express their concerns through peaceful protests and reiterated the Police’s duty to facilitate such rights within the bounds of the law.
According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the Inspector-General advised against processions.
He said: “To this end, the IGP has advised the Take It Back Movement, who have indicated their interest to protest, to engage with the respective State Police Commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a manner that ensures the safety of participants and the general public, while pre-empting any security challenges and ensuring that the protests proceed peacefully.
“Additionally, the IGP strongly advised against unplanned open and unnecessary processions due to the potential dangers they pose.
“He stressed that organising and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies are essential steps to mitigate risks, protect the rights of all citizens, and protect the well-being of all involved.”
Adejobi reiterated Egbetokun’s determination to ensure public safety, urging stakeholders to work together with the police to foster a peaceful and secure environment during the protests.
Bishop: protests diminished Kenya, don’t follow that route
Nigerians should learn from the bitter outcome of the ongoing widespread protests in Kenya, a cleric, Bishop Wycliffe Khaemba, admonished the youth preparing to take to the streets from tomorrow.
“I urge you to learn from what has happened and is still occurring in Kenya,” the bishop, who has been an activist for 28 years, said in a statement yesterday.
He added: “We allowed ourselves to be led into violent protests and disturbances, thinking they would lead to a desired outcome. Unfortunately, they have resulted in an undesirable outcome.”
Kenya has been engulfed by massive and violent protests against the finance bill which raised taxes, forcing the government to reverse the increases and cut the cost of governance.
President William Ruto also sacked his cabinet among other far-reaching measures. But the protesters would not back down.
Despite the concessions by the government, the mass action has persisted with its attendant large-scale destruction of public infrastructure.
Khaemba, who pastors the One Ministry Methodist, advised Nigerian youths not to travel the same route because it would not end well for them and the nation.
Describing the gory consequences of the protests in Kenya, he stated: “Tens of thousands of small and medium-scale enterprises have been destroyed along with major public infrastructure, and people’s lives have been turned upside down.
“The education of our next generation has been affected, and we are not even back at square one. We are farther back.”
He said the people had, however, found out that the protests were funded by foreigners, who would never allow the Kenyan government or non-governmental institutions to interfere in their nations.
Khaemba explained: “My message to Nigeria is this: do not wait to learn from your mistakes. Instead, learn from our error of judgment in Kenya.
“Those who are sponsoring these protests from abroad will not come and help you rebuild Lagos and Abuja after violent protesters destroy your cities.
“Instead, they will offer you cutthroat loans to keep you in bondage to them.
“So, please listen to the voice of reason and pursue dialogue rather than protests.”
Count us out of protest, say LP caucus
THE Lagos chapter of the Labour Party distanced its members from the proposed national protest.
It announced its decision at a press conference through a group known as Lagos Patriot (Yoruba Obidient).
The caucus Coordinator Aboderin Aduragbemi, who frowned against using Lagos as the epicentre of the protest, raised a concern over hijack and violence.
He said: “We believe that it is within the right of the citizens to have a peaceful protest; we however know from experience that the peaceful protest would be hijacked and become violent to portray our group and party in bad light.
“We don’t believe one needs to politicise every situation in our nation and take advantage of the masses, especially when the government is doing its best to manage the current economic situation.”
The group stressed its commitment to objective criticism and opposition without engaging in tribalism or applying the politics of a “bring them down” mentality.
It urged its members across all the 20 local government areas and 37 local council development areas (LCDAs), as well as other Lagosians, to refrain from participating in the protest.
Security agencies begins show of force in Oyo
Security agencies in Oyo state have begun a show of force as part of efforts to maintain law and order.
The operation involves the deployment of personnel from the police, Army, Immigration Service, and other security agencies to strategic locations across the state.
Commissioner of Police, Ayodele Sonubi, said security agencies will be patrolling major roads and flashpoints in Ibadan and other parts of the state, to prevent violence.
He said the show of force was meant to reassure residents and commuters of their safety and security and to warn potential troublemakers to stay off the streets.
Sonubi said the operation was a proactive measure to prevent any breakdown of law and order during the protest.
He added: “This show of force is meant to show our readiness, keep peace and provide security for the people in the state, to make Nigeria and Ibadan peaceful as it used to be.
“We are ready to protect reasonable and law-abiding citizens. We are not against the protest. which is a right of all citizenry, but will shall not condole any act of violence, brigandage or criminality.”
Agbekoya to protesters: stay away from Southwest
Agbekoya Parapo, a Yoruba socio-cultural and farmers organisation, warned those planning violent protests in Lagos and other Southwest states to desist.
The group accused them of ulterior motives, urging them to retrace their steps.
In a statement after its meeting, the group said the resolution of fundamental questions cannot be resolved by protests.
At the meeting presided by its President-General, Aare Kunle Oshodi, were the Secretary-General, Chief Kunle Eruobodo; Chairman, Elders Council, Prof. Ademola Onibonokuta, Prof. Amusa, Pastor Benson Olayanju, Comrade Adebayo Balogun and Chief Remilekun Oyelami.
Agbekoya Parapo advised those with ulterior motives to “reconsider their plans and move their protests to Abuja and their respective states of origin” rather than pressing their points in the Southwest.
The group said: “We shall never allow what happened in Lagos during #EndSARS to repeat itself.”
Custodial Centres are red zones, NCoS warns
The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) warned that Custodial centres across the country are red zones (no-go areas) for potential trespassers during the protest.
The Service warned that any person or group of persons who have no business whatsoever within and around the centres should steer clear.
A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Abubakar Umar, said adequate security arrangements have been made to prevent any attempt to invade custodial centres during and after the protests.
The statement reads: “In view of the purported national protest scheduled to hold on the first day of August 2024, the Nigerian Correctional Service wishes to inform the public that the Custodial Centres have been designated as red zones.
“Therefore, any person or group of persons who have no business whatsoever, should steer clear.
“Furthermore, the Service wishes to enjoin the public that Custodial and Non-custodial Centres are critical national assets which are germane to public safety as well as national security.
“Tampering with or attacking them will lead to breakdown of law and order, and further exacerbate the security of the society in general.
“Adequate security arrangements have been put in place to ensure that no correctional facility is defiled.
“The Ministry of Interior Joint Taskforce (MOIJTF) has been activated to provide extra security in and around custodial facilities nationwide.
“The Controller General of Corrections, Haliru Nababa, appreciates the continuous cooperation of members of the public in ensuring peace and tranquillity in and around correctional centres nationwide.
FCT NSCDC deploys 5,000 personnel for peace
The Nigeria Security And Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja Command, has deployed 5,000 personnel to prevent attacks on critical assets and infrastructures during the protests.
FCT Commandant Dr Olusola Odumosu warned those planning to attack public utilities in the FCT to have a change of plan or face the full wrath of the law.
He said the proactive measures were in line with the directives of the Commandant-General of the Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi, to all commands and zonal commands of the Service.
Odumosu, who addressed heads of departments, units, area commanders and divisional officers (DOs) at a meeting at the Command Headquarters, urged them to protect lives and properties in the city and its environs during the period.
He said in a statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Command, Samuel Idoko, that the personnel should ensure that the protest is not hijacked by miscreants and mischief makers who intend to cause chaos.
Odumosu said though peaceful protest is the right of every citizen, the fear of hijacking to cause violence, looting, arson, destruction, and unleash mayhem on law-abiding citizens necessitates the call for peace enforcement and prevention of violent insurrection.
He said: “Although every Nigerian has the right to a peaceful protest, such protests must be done without the breakdown of law and order.
“As a Command, therefore, we are committed to ensuring that law-abiding residents of Abuja move about their legitimate business without fear of being attacked, intimidated or molested by the protesters,” he said.
Odumosu urged the organisers of the protest to embrace dialogue, adding that much would be achieved through dialogue instead of violence.
He said: “Our job is to provide robust security before, during and after the protests for all residents and visitors.
“There is a high chance of breakdown of law and order, and because the FCT is the seat of power and host to the diplomatic headquarters of countries of the world, everything must be done professionally to manage and contain the situation.”
CP deploys personnel in Delta
The Police Command in Delta has deployed its personnel across the state.
Police Spokesman, SP Bright Edafe, said in a statement in Asaba, the state capital, that the deployment followed the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Mr Olufemi Abaniwonda.
Edafe said that undercover detectives have also been deployed to identify those planning to take advantage of the protest to perpetuate violence.
He said: “In view of the planned nationwide protest scheduled for Aug.1 to Aug.10, Abaniwonda has ordered a massive deployment of personnel in the state.
“The order complies with the directive of the IGP.
“GP also ordered that all organisers of the protest should give details of their activities to their respective state police commands for security arrangement.”
Southern youth leaders oppose protest
The Southern Youths Development Forum urged youths to shun the protest, saying it is not the solution to economic challenges.
Its President, Pastor Bassey James, who spoke with reporters in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, appealed for dialogue.
James described President Bola Tinubu as a listening and responsive leader who is ready to dialogue with youths to seek ways to improve the economy, alleviate hardship and pursue national development.
“He said: We are opposed to the protest because of the fear that disgruntled people will hijack it and cause crisis, mayhem and destruction of critical national assets which will further compound the problems in the country.
“The tension across the nation is high and patriotism demands that we come together in a time like this to preach peace, unity and love in the overall interest of Nigeria.
“We are already planning a national youths dialogue which will be kickstarted in Abuja, Uyo, Kaduna and Lagos.
“It is better to talk, discuss and build a united Nigeria for the benefit of all and ensure equal opportunities.
“Most businesses are yet to recover from EndSars protests of 2020. Even the government has not fully rebuilt the infrastructures destroyed then and this one will compound the issues.”
James said the Tinubu Administration has good intentions for the country, assuring that things will change for the better under him because he is pro-masses, and has fought and supported democracy over the years.
“Mr President is putting in place a sustainable economic blueprint which is a work in progress.
“The indicators are visible in security, human resources development, infrastructure, agriculture, education and other areas.”
