The Lagos state command of the Nigerian police force has struck end an agreement with civil society organizations numbering up to fifteen (15) as regards the conduct of planned protests taking place on Thursday, June 12.
Among other agreements reached, the only venue approved for the conduct of the protest in Lagos state is Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.
This disclosure was made by Benjamin Hundeyin, the command’s spokesperson in a statement released on Wednesday.
He noted that the meeting between CP Olohundare Jimoh, the Lagos State commissioner of police and the leaders of the Civil Society Organization (CSO) as an interactive one.
It was agreed that all protest groups will converge under the Ikeja Bridge and move together to Ojota. They committed to a peaceful celebration of Democracy day in a protest without disrupting public peace and order.
“All protesting groups agreed to converge on Ikeja Under-Bridge simultaneously and jointly proceed to Gani Fawehinmi Park at Ojota to protest.
“It was also agreed that no protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota,” Hundeyin said.
The CSOs present at the meeting committed to a peaceful rally while ensuring that the protest is not hijacked by hoodlums. It was agreed that the flow of traffic will not be disrupted while public peace will be maintained.
“The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” the statement further read.
The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s readiness to provide security throughout the state and urged citizens to remain peaceful and law-abiding.
“Leaders of CSOs present are 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), Mr Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Right Monitor), Mr Festus Ojotoro (Human Right Monitor), Mr Kehinde Adeoye (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights).
“Mr Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti), Mr Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline), Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Mr Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group), Mr Lasisi Abiodun.
“Mr Ibrahim Oluwatobi, Mr Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee or the Defence of Human Rights), Mr Agbodemu I. Musbau, CSO Lagos Mainland LGA and the representative of Initiatives for Development and Advocacy,” the statement added.
