By Damilare Adeleye
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olarenwaju Ishola, has vowed to enforce the court order restricting the nationwide protests against hunger and economic hardships to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota, Lagos.
This was as he threatened to clamp down on anyone or groups of persons who intend to hijack a looming protest in the state to cause breakdown of law and order.
Some civil society groups have picked on October 1, 2024, to stage nationwide protests over the current hardship in the land.
Speaking on Friday during a town hall meeting on Friday with traditional rulers and some religious leaders in the state, CP Ishola assured residents of police presence to maintain safety and order during the planned protests.
“We are not stopping anybody from protesting, it is your legitimateright. We will protect all so that miscreants do not hijack it,” he said.
The police boss said that the command would live up to its mandate of ensuring 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 for celebration but some groups of people want to use that day for another purpose.
“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.
He restricted the proposed October 1 nationwide protest in Lagos to a location in the state.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of the Department of State Service in Lagos State, Mr Dapo Amao, said that it was the right of citizens to protest or express their displeasure against the government, but must be done in a civilised way.
He said that there was a need to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums who are prepared to breach law and order and cause destruction in the state.
“We will collaborate with other security agencies to ensure live and property are secured.
“We will provide enabling environment for business to thrive and make sure that things do not get out of hands,” he said.
According to him, protesters should notdisturb residents to go about their lawful without harassment, disturbance and destruction of public.
He urged citizens to give government time to put things right.