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The Lagos State Police Command and representatives of 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have reached a mutual agreement on the conduct of the planned Democracy Day protest scheduled for Thursday, June 12.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, it was disclosed that both parties agreed to designate Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota, as the sole protest ground for all participating groups within Lagos State.
The agreement was the outcome of an interactive meeting convened by the Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, with leaders of various CSOs ahead of the protest. The engagement focused on ensuring public order, safety, and the protection of citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly.
According to the police, half of the CSOs in attendance indicated plans to mark Democracy Day with peaceful celebrations, while the other half intended to stage non-violent protests. It was resolved that all protest groups would gather under the Ikeja Under-Bridge and jointly proceed to the approved protest venue at Gani Fawehinmi Park.
“It was agreed that no protest would hold anywhere else in Lagos except at the designated venue in Ojota,” Hundeyin stated.
The police also expressed concerns about potential security threats and emphasised the need to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums or miscreants. The CSO representatives, in response, committed to upholding a peaceful demonstration and ensuring the resolutions reached are communicated to other groups not present at the meeting.
The Command reassured Lagos residents of its readiness to provide security across the state while urging citizens to remain calm, law-abiding, and supportive of efforts to maintain peace during the Democracy Day activities.
Among the CSO leaders present at the meeting were Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups), and Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Rights Monitor).
Others included Mr. Festus Ojotoro, Mr. Kehinde Adeoye, Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke, Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi, Comrade Isa Oyetunji, Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo, Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi, Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin, Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau, and a representative from Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to facilitating citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly while maintaining public peace and order throughout Lagos.
Meanwhile In Abuja the protest commenced at Apo area on Thursday, coinciding with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, to voice concerns over rising hardship and insecurity in the country.
Demonstrators were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards expressing their grievances.
In anticipation of the protest, security agencies had deployed heavily armed personnel to strategic locations across the city, including potential protest hotspots.
The presence of operatives was particularly noticeable at major junctions and the National Assembly, among other places where protesters could have gathered.
The protest, which coincides with Nigeria’s Democracy Day, commenced in the Apo area of Abuja, where demonstrators were seen chanting solidarity songs and waving placards to express their grievances.
Despite the heavy security presence, the protest proceeded without significant incidents.
Organizers and participants emphasized their commitment to peaceful demonstration, urging authorities to address the underlying issues of hardship and insecurity affecting the populace.
