The upcoming nationwide protest organizers have been called upon by the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, Bethrand Onuoha, to reveal their identities in order to participate in a brainstorming session.
Additionally, they have been urged to provide detailed information on the planned routes they intend to take to allow for proper monitoring by the police.
Following a meeting with all security agencies held at the command headquarters in Lokoja, a statement released by the Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, emphasized the CP’s recognition of the citizens’ right to protest within the boundaries of the law while maintaining law and order.
Part of the statement read, “Acknowledging the citizens’ right to peaceful assembly and protest, the CP emphasized the importance of upholding law and order.”
“To facilitate security for a peaceful protest in the state, the CP urged the organizers to reveal their identities if the protest is to proceed.
The stakeholders, however, expressed their rejection of any purported protest, citing their need to be informed of the organizers and the protest’s purpose before participating.
They raised concerns that the motive behind such protests might involve causing damage and looting of properties owned by innocent citizens by disgruntled individuals.
Consequently, the police advised the protest organizers to furnish the Command with relevant details such as proposed routes, assembly points, protest duration, and assurances of non-violent conduct during the protest.
By providing these details, the Command can establish security measures before and after the protest to deter potential troublemakers seeking to disrupt the process and harm lives and properties in the state.
The Command cautioned any groups intending to disrupt the current peace enjoyed by the state to refrain from such actions, as the police will not tolerate any attempts to vandalize public or private establishments and businesses.
Concluding the statement, “Hence, the organizers of the purported/planned protest are advised to collaborate with the Police and other Security Agencies, strictly adhering to international best practices and procedures for peaceful assembly.”