Following the commemoration of the EndSARS anniversary, it has been reported that human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has made it known that the Lagos State Police Command has no power to stop street protests.
This is a reaction to a comment by the police that only indoor and virtual protests would be allowed on Wednesday.
Sowore in a statement noted that, “Our attention has been drawn to the latest statement credited to the Lagos state Command of the Nigeria Police to the effect that no “street protests” will be allowed tomorrow (Wednesday) to mark the historic #Endsars rebellion of 2020 and its attendant fallout due to police repression and Nigerian army’s murderous intervention.”
He added that, “We state unequivocally that it not within the powers of the Nigerian police to stop citizens from engaging in street protests, the right to engage in protest against unjust policies, tyranny and oppression is an inalienable right and as such these latest claims are at best superfluous and belligerently arrogant.”
He made it known that, “We urge the police authorities to ensure they carry out their duties to protect protesters who will be on the streets by way of cars, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and by foot all over Lagos and its environs tomorrow (Wednesday).”
He disclosed that, “The Lagos state police commissioner will be personally held liable if anything untoward happens to any Nigerian citizen engaging in lawful protest during the #Endsars anniversary.”
He continued that, “We urge our compatriots to remain steadfast and prepare fully to carry out their conscientious duties and historical tasks tomorrow(Wednesday).”
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