Lagos Police, CSOs reach consensus on peaceful Democracy Day protest

In preparation for the June 12 Democracy Day commemorations, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, on Wednesday met with representatives of 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to align on security arrangements and protest guidelines for the day.

This development was made known in a statement issued by the Lagos State Police Command spokesperson, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin.

According to the statement, the meeting focused on ensuring that all activities, including protests and celebrations, are conducted in a peaceful and orderly manner. Of the 15 CSOs in attendance, half disclosed plans to hold peaceful celebrations, while the remaining half indicated their intent to stage protests.

In a key resolution, it was agreed that all protest activities would be confined to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, which was designated as the sole approved protest venue.

The protesting groups also agreed to assemble at the Ikeja Under-Bridge and march collectively to the park, maintaining order and avoiding any disruption to public peace.

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“No protests will be allowed outside the designated venue,” Hundeyin emphasized, adding that the discussions also touched on the importance of maintaining law and order during the observance of Democracy Day.

The CSOs committed to sharing the outcomes of the meeting with other non-attending organisations and pledged to adhere to the agreed-upon protocols. They were advised to safeguard their events from infiltration by miscreants or individuals intent on inciting violence.

The police urged all groups to avoid obstructing traffic, disrupting public order, or interfering with other lawful activities and celebrations across the state.

Reassuring Lagosians, the Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring adequate security across the state during the commemorations. Residents were encouraged to celebrate the occasion peacefully and to remain law-abiding.

“We call on the public to support efforts to maintain the existing peace in Lagos,” Hundeyin concluded.