The Lagos State Police Command has signed an agreement with 15 Civil Society Organizations ahead of the planned June 12 (Democracy Day) protest. More so, the command spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the development on Wednesday through a statement.
According to Hundeyin, the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota is the only approved venue for citizens joining the protest in Lagos. Giving insight into the meeting, the spokesperson said the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and the CSO leaders had an interactive engagement.
He confirmed that a handful of the civil organizations promised to celebrate Democracy Day without any demonstration. On the flip side, Hundeyin said others present in the meeting promised to carry out a peaceful protest that wouldn’t put public safety at risk.
As part of the arrangement, the protesting groups agreed to assemble under the Ikeja Bridge and move to the park at Ojota for their peaceful demonstration. Furthermore, Hundeyin said there is an agreement in place that the protest will not escalate beyond the approved areas.
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Likewise, the Lagos State Police Command warned the groups that protest shouldn’t welcome hoodlums that may hijack it to create unrest in the state. Hundeyin mentioned how the meeting underlines the free flow of traffic as one of the core elements of a peaceful protest.
Consequently, all the groups present agree on allowing smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians to ensure Lagos citizens to celebrate Democracy Day in peace. However, the Lagos State Police Command beseeched other civil groups that were absent to abide by the agreement.
Lastly, the commissioner went on to stress the preparedness of the command to offer statewide security, while urging citizens to remain within the premises of the law.
Tinubu cancels nationwide Democracy Day broadcast
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has canceled the nationwide broadcast in celebration of Democracy Day. The president without any official reason said the broadcast would no longer take place.
According to a statement by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen, the president will instead address Nigerians in commemoration of the National 26th Democracy Day anniversary from the National Assembly chamber on Thursday. He disclosed that the president is set to appear before the house in a joint session of the National Assembly.
Also, the statement confirmed that other activities to celebrate Democracy Day will proceed accordingly. However, a communique sent to journalists earlier established that the traditional military parade for the anniversary will no longer take place.
