Protests: Organizers Announce Convergence Points for Rallies

Organizers of the nationwide protest against economic hardship have announced specific convergence points for public meetings, rallies, and processions across the country. However, a Lagos High Court has restricted protesters in Lagos to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in the Ketu area for the planned August 1 nationwide protest.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, had previously requested that the organizers submit contact details, designated points, and routes of the protest to the Force Headquarters. The organizers also called on the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, to withdraw soldiers deployed in the Federal Capital Territory and other cities ahead of the protest. However, the IGP later instructed senior officers to protect protesters during the planned nationwide protest.

Various stakeholders, including Catholic Bishops, the Primate of the Anglican Church of Nigeria, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), and former national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus, have urged both the protest organizers and the federal government to exercise restraint, especially given the pro-government protests held in some parts of the country on Monday.

Ebun Adegboruwa, SAN, solicitor for one of the protest organizers, Take-it-Back Movement, listed the rally points in a letter to the IGP. These include Eagle Square, Abuja; Alausa Park, Lagos; Opposite Wema Bank and Akpakpava Lane, Benin City; Opposite the School of Agric, Bauchi; Rosewale Filling Station, Iwo Road, Ibadan; Maiduguri Roundabout, opposite State Stadium, Damaturu, Yobe State; Rainbow Roundabout and Pantani Stadium, Rivers State; and Freedom Park, Osogbo, Osun State.

Adegboruwa requested that a meeting with the IGP, initially scheduled for yesterday, be held virtually to allow more stakeholders to participate. He proposed that the meeting be led by human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, and include representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), other lawyers, and civil society organizations (CSOs).

Following the virtual meeting, Force Headquarters issued a statement highlighting the discussion’s outcome. The IGP emphasized the importance of maintaining public order and safety during the planned protests. He acknowledged the group’s right to peaceful protests and reiterated the Police Force’s duty to facilitate such rights within legal boundaries.

The IGP advised the Take-It-Back Movement to engage with state police commissioners to coordinate and plan the protests in a way that ensures the safety of participants and the general public. He emphasized the need to pre-empt security challenges and ensure peaceful protests.

Furthermore, the IGP strongly recommended against unplanned and unnecessary processions due to potential dangers. He stressed the importance of organizing and coordinating with the Police and other security agencies to mitigate risks, protect citizens’ rights, and ensure the well-being of all involved.

The Inspector-General of Police reiterated the Force’s commitment to protecting citizens’ rights and ensuring the safety and security of all public gatherings. He called on stakeholders to collaborate in fostering a peaceful and secure environment during the planned protests.