- Don’t participate in protests, rallies – Afenifere urges Yorubas
Lagos police vow to clamp down on protesters
Amid the planned protest by the Nigeria Labour Congress over the hardship faced by Nigerians, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has asked the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, to provide security for the demonstrators.
Barring any last-minute change, the NLC will on Tuesday, February 27 and Wednesday, February 28 protest following the dramatic hike in the prices of goods and services due to the removal of fuel subsidy and the free fall of the naira, among others.
The human rights lawyer in a letter dated February 24 and addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation said Section 83 (4) of the Police Establishment Act empowers the Minister of Justice to provide security cover for the protesters.
He also called on the organised labour to conduct their scheduled rallies peacefully void of violence.
“While we have advised the members of the NLC to conduct the rallies scheduled for February 27-28, 2024 in a peaceful manner, we urge you to use your good offices to direct the Inspector-General of Police to provide adequate security to the conveners and participants in the protest in line with the provisions of Section 83(4) of the Police Establishment Act.
“Finally, while awaiting your favourable reply to this letter, please accept, as usual, the assurance of our highest esteem,” the letter read.
Don’t participate in protests, rallies – Afenifere urges Yorubas
Meanwhile, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has urged Yorubas against participating in any protest or rally.
Afenifere leader, Reuben Fasoranti, in a statement on Sunday, urged Nigerians to come to terms with the realities of the nation’s challenges.
According to him, the administration of President Bola Tinubu is working to resolve the challenges it inherited over the years.
He stated, “As a responsible leader, I appeal to every Yoruba man and woman, young and old, and our fellow citizens across the nationalities, to exercise patience and refrain from engaging in protests or actions that may escalate tensions.
“The outcry over the hardship, hunger, and price hikes is not unexpected. However, we must come to terms with the realities of our national challenges, which the present administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is striving to resolve.
“While acknowledging the hardships faced by our people, it is important to recognise that these economic measures, although difficult, are part of a larger strategy aimed at restoring economic prosperity and stability to Nigeria.
“The government’s commitment to implementing these measures is a testament to its dedication to addressing the root causes of our economic challenges, inherited from the ills of the previous years.”
The elder statesman appealed to Nigerians to trust the government’s commitment to the welfare of the citizens.
“Let us engage in constructive dialogue and contribute positively to the ongoing economic reforms. Join me in appealing for unity and understanding among our people. Together, we can weather this storm and emerge stronger as a nation.
“It is important to note that the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the Naira is not undertaken lightly, as we all know the great damage done to our national prosperity through the nefarious activities of the agents of darkness within the oil and financial sectors.
“These measures by the Federal Government, though painful in the short term, are designed to create a more sustainable economic environment that will benefit us all in the long run. It requires collective understanding and resilience from every citizen as we navigate through these challenging times,” Fasoranti stated.
Lagos police vow to clamp down on protesters
Also, the Lagos State Police Command has vowed to clamp down on protesters who try to impede the free flow of traffic while protesting.
This was made known by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, on Sunday.
According to him, the police are aware of the plan by some people to protest in the state and will ensure that necessary measures are put in place for the safety of the lives and property of Lagosians.
He stressed that nothing would hinder the free flow of traffic or a peaceful environment to let residents carry out their lawful duties.
Reacting to a proposed protest in the state, Lagos police wrote on X, “The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Adegoke Fayoade, mni has assured Lagosians that the Command has put necessary measures in place to ensure the safety of lives and property, free flow of traffic and a peaceful environment for carrying out their respective lawful duties.
“This assurance has become imperative following news making the rounds about nationwide protests billed to start on Monday, February 26, 2024, an action capable of grounding commercial activities and obstructing the free flow of traffic.
“The Command will live up to its mandate of ensuring that no person or group of persons is allowed to infringe on the fundamental human rights of others, especially the rights to freedom of movement and right to dignity of human persons.
“Adegoke, therefore, warns all intending protesters that anyone found infringing on the rights of other Nigerians will be dealt with in accordance with the law.
“Adegoke also enjoined all peace-loving Lagosians to go about their lawful duties without fear of harassment or intimidation, reiterating that adequate security assets have been strategically deployed to ensure their safety and security.”
