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The Ondo State Police Command has asked organisers planning to protest on August 1, to submit the details of their activities to the command to prevent the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipupo, gave the directive on Saturday following the earlier order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
This was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami.
The statement was titled ‘Nationwide Protest: organizers to furnish police command with locations of protest before d day for security arrangement.’
The statement read, ” Ahead of the planned protest slated for 1st – 10th of August, 2024 tagged ‘End Bad Governance’. and in compliance with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM that all organizers of protest to give details of their activity to their Police command for security arrangement before the date of commencement.
“The command also recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to protest with a view to ventilate their frustration and also note that no responsible government will allow violent protests that will breach the rights and freedom of other citizens who may not want to participate.
“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed that organizers of the protest, if any, within Ondo State are to submit details of their activity with the office of the command PPRO indicating the venue of convergence for the command to make arrangement on the required security in identified areas of the protest.
” The 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 may want to hijack the protest or use it as a means to carry out their dastardly act as the command will provide adequate security for the Protesters and the state at large.”
The command appealed to all participants in the protest to maintain the sanctity of public gatherings and lawful assembly while avoiding acts that could lead to the breakdown of law and order in the state.
He also assured citizens transiting through the state of police protection, peaceful and violence-free protest.
