Juliet Damilola
The Nigerian Police has said it would deploy all legitimate means to stop or neutralise the planned protests to mark #EndSARS anniversary which is planned for today. This is just as the duo of Falz and Mr. Macaroni have announced a memorial procession to mark the event.
Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, in a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesman, Adekunle Ajisebutu, on Tuesday said the attention of the Command had been drawn to a post being circulated on the social media insinuating that the police in Lagos had agreed to allow street protests in commemoration of the one year EndSARS anniversary on 20th October, 2021.
“On the contrary, the police will only allow an indoor and virtual event in commemoration of the EndSARS anniversary and will provide adequate security at the venue (s) if known. This is in recognition of rights of every Nigerian to express his or her interest.
“We wish we could permit such street protests. However, intelligence at our disposal has revealed plans by some faceless groups or individuals to stage an anti-EndSARS anniversary protest in the state the same day.
“In view of the conflicting interest between the pro and anti- EndSARS anniversary groups and threat to cause mayhem, the Command once again warns both groups against any form of street protest between now and 20th October, 2021 and beyond,” the statement said.
The statement added that “It is acknowledged that citizens have the right to peaceful protests. However, in this instance having carried out a critical security assessment and intelligence report at the disposal of the Lagos Command in respect of the planned protests and attendant implications on public safety, the Command considers it inappropriate to allow such protests to hold. It will not stand aloof and allow breakdown of law and order which the protests may cause.
“Therefore, in the interest of security and public safety, the Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, wishes to warn the organisers of the protests that the police will deploy all legitimate means to stop or neutralise the planned protests.”
The police warned parents, guardians to warn their children against participating in the protests.
“Similarly, youths and other individuals or groups planning to take part in the protests are further warned in their own interest to shelve the plan,” the statement said.
Meanwhile Popular Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana, and comedian Debo Adebayo, popularly known as Mr Macaroni, have announced a car procession to mark one year anniversary of the #EndSARS protest.
Falz and Mr Macaroni on Tuesday took to their respective verified Instagram pages to make the announcement.
They both shared e-fliers of the car procession planned to hold on Wednesday, October 20 at Lekki Tollgate.
“In memory of those who died that day and those we have lost to police brutality, we will: drive through the toll gate from 8-10 am; blast our horns in unison as we drive through and wave our flags,” the information on the e-flier read in part.
They urged those interested in the car procession to stay guided and endeavour to stay in their vehicles throughout the procession and also stay in groups for safety reasons.