The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, reminded protesters to stay within the bounds of the law during the planned October 1st protest.
At a meeting in Lagos on Friday, he gave a warning to stakeholders and security agencies.
CP Ishola assured Lagos residents that the police will be on hand to maintain safety and order during the protests.
“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.
“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 for celebration, but some people want to use that day for another purpose.”
“We as security agencies will do our best to ensure that we have a good turnout for the independence celebration. The protesters should not disturb people who want to celebrate,” he said.
He continued…
“The police will enforce the court order restricting the nationwide protests against economic hardship at 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,”.
The Director of the Department of State Service in Lagos State, Dapo Amao, also said that citizens have the right to protest or express their unhappiness with the government, but they should do it respectfully.
He said they need to stop those hoodlums from hijacking the protest and causing mayhem.
“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,” he said.
According to him, protesters shouldn’t disturb residents or cause trouble. He urged them to give the government time to put things right.
Adedotun Keshinro, the State Commandant of NSCDC in Lagos, advised against violent protests as they can be dangerous.
“If there must be a protest, it must be peaceful and should not affect the rights of others,” he said.
He said the NSCDC is working with other security agencies to keep people and property safe.
Keshinro urged stakeholders to take the message to their communities that the security agencies won’t put up with any wrongdoing in the state.
The meeting had leaders from the Arewa and Ndigbo communities, traditional leaders, student union leaders, members of the Nigeria Labour Congress, and traders, among others from the state.
Remember, not too long the Niger Delta Youth reject out of the October 1 protest.