Nigeria Police Force vow to resist proposed protests in Lagos state

- Using a rather strong language in a terse statement, the police says no form of protests will be allowed in Lagos state

- Some groups have suggested that they will back to the streets in no time

- The police, however, say no form of street procession will be allowed in the nation's commercial capital for now

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The Lagos state police command said on Thursday, November 5 said it will resist any planned protest, procession, or gathering in Lagos state.

The police were reacting to the planned continuation of the #EndSARS protest by the Youth Rights Campaign and other youth groups in Lagos state.

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Part of a statement signed by the command's spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi read:

“The police and other security agencies will collectively and tactically resist any security threats or threats to public peace which might be triggered by protest or protesters in Lagos state.”

Nigerians have been reacting to the stance of the police command via social media.

Kola Tubosun wrote on Twitter:

“Protests are a fundamental human right! Focus on the hoodlums. Arrest them. Lock them up. Leave peaceful protesters alone.”

Osondu Ottah wrote:

“They should first attempt to pass the social media bill or anti-people bill or failure to sign the electoral reform bill into law then we will see if Nigerians will not protest to demand those.”

Adelani Adesoye wrote:

“It is clear that the police force can't carry out their duties effectively. It is either they are unwilling to carry out their duties or they don't have the capacity to do it. That is why the citizens are calling for police reform.”

Dr Yomi Fatile wrote:

“I disagree with the police command. A protest is the constitutional right of the people, police can only provide security for and to those protesting so that hoodlums don't hijack the protest. But to deny any group of aggrieved individuals their right to protest is unconstitutional.”

Nze Okafor wrote:

“The police must provide security for peaceful protesters to avoid hijack by hoodlums. Protests are a fundamental human right. If you were properly trained, you would know this.”

Meanwhile, in Enugu, the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has appealed to men and officers of the police to return to their duty posts.

The move is part of the governor's initiative to motivate the police officers to get back to work.

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Source: Legit.ng