By Miracle Ogunde
The Ondo State Police Command has assured residents of adequate protection in the wake of the planned August 1, nationwide protest.
The command gave the assurance during a press conference at the Force headquarters in Alagbaka, Akure, the Ondo State capital.
This comes amidst anxiety that has enveloped many parts of the country in the wake of the planned nationwide protest scheduled to begin on Thursday.
To douse the tension, the Ondo state police command says, Nigerians have the right to peaceful protest as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
In what could be described as a sign of allaying fears of possible violence, security operatives in ondo state launched a joint show of force.
CP Abayomi, while addressing a press conference at the force headquarters in Akure, the Ondo state capital, said they were yet to identify the organizers of the protest as no group has presented themselvesnfor the protest.
“We are all aware of what is on ground in the country as it relates to protest by the citizens, titled ‘#End Bad governance’ which is billed to start from 1st of August to 10th August, and titled ‘Days of Rage’. We’re on the frontline and I want to let you know that protest is a fundamental right in any democracy, and no responsible government will want to take away that right as guaranteed under section 40 of the 1999 constitution as amended.
“The citizens have right to freely assemble and ventilate their concerns as to how they are governed. However, other Nigerians that are not interested in being part of the protest have their rights as well to freedom of movement. Both those who are for protest and those who are not for protest have rights, and such rights must be respected by the two sides,” he said.
Abayomi allayed fears of looting by hoodlums, urging residents to go about their normal activity.
“We have the mandate to protect all citizens and residents of his country by ensuring that who are going to embark on lawful, peaceful protest are protected from being infiltrated by hoodlums who may want to hijack and take advantage to create confusion and enable mayhem in the state.
“There’s a line between peaceful and violent protest. Once the line is crossed, then it’s no longer peaceful but violent. We have a mandate as enshrined under section 214 of the 1999 constitution and section 4 of the Police Act 2020, to protect and maintain public order. It is not Police business alone, there’s collaboration, synergy between the police, tricycle services of the armed forces, Immigration, Customs, NSCDC and even the state actors to ensure that what EndSARS and Kenya experience is not repeated in this country”.
The police chief urged protesters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner, emphasizing that violent protests will not be tolerated within the state.
“We will not allow the situation to degenerate into confusion that property and public infrastructure would be destroyed. We want to use this opportunity to assure the citizenry both the residents and indigenes of Ondo state that we are prepared to protect them against violence.”
However, the Ondo police boss urged residents to report any act that might undermine their safety as well as public peace.
“Peradventure, you have information as to the activities of fifth columnist that may wan to create confusion, you should freely free ot pass the information to all security agencies within your reach so that we can adequately respond to such situation. We want to advise and appeal to traditional rulers, labour leaders, student unions and faith-based organizations to appeal to their wards and congregations to allow peace and stability to reign in this country.”
Abayomi stated that security operatives have been charged to act professionally in the discharge of their duties.
“We have spoken to our men that there’s no need to provoke provocation. However, I want to assure you that all security operatives will work professionally within the ambit of our service rules and the relevant laws guiding the assembly of people.”
Recall that the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, on Tuesday, had a virtual meeting with organizers of the planned nationwide protest, advising them to confine their rallies to certain locations.
The organizers, in swift response emphasized that they have the right to peaceful demonstration as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution.
The nationwide protest, which kicks off on Thursday is tagged #End Bad governance aimed at protesting against the raging hunger, high cost of living and governance in the country.
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