Ahead of the planned protests tagged ‘End Bad Governance’ to hold between August 1 and 10, 2024, the Ondo State Police Command has enjoined the organisers to give details of their activities for security arrangement before the date of commencement.
The message to the organisers is in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Dr Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, to all Police commands to ensure this, according to a statement by the command’s spokesperson, SP Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.
Saying that the command recognises the fundamental rights of citizens to protest with a view to ventilate their frustration, it however noted that no responsible government would allow violent protests that would breach the rights and freedom of other citizens who might not want to participate.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Peter Oladipo, has directed that organisers of the protest, if any within Ondo State, are to submit details of their activity with the office of the command PPRO indicating venue of convergence.
“This is for the command to make arrangement on the required security in identified areas of the protest,” the spokeswoman said
She stated further that CP Abayomi urged both the organizers and protesters to partner with the police during this time to be able to wade off criminal elements who might want to hijack the protest or use it as a means to carry out their dastardly act.
The police commissioner assured that the command would provide adequate security for the orotesters and the state at large.
The PPRO added: “The command is also using this medium to appeal to all participants in the protest to maintain the sanctity of public gathering and lawful assembly, while avoiding acts that can lead to breakdown of law and order in the state.”
