Lagos approves #EndSARs protest anniversary, plans to protect protesters

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, has approved the #EndSARs anniversary protest saying it is citizen’s fundamental right to protest.

The Commissioner disclosed this to journalists on Saturday while monitoring the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) state congress election in Lagos.

However, this is a complete turnaround on the police command’s earlier stand which is against any gathering or organisation of protest in commemoration of the first anniversary of last year’s #EndSARS protest in the state in a statement which says:

“The police in the state will not fold their arms and allow some misguided elements disrupt the peace and serenity currently being enjoyed in the state.

“To forestall breakdown of law and order, the police will use all legitimate means within their constitutional powers to suppress the planned protest…”

Read also: #EndSARS anniversary: Police will use all means to stop protest

Odumosu has however said that the  state police command would be ready to protect protesters and urged the organisers of such protests to work together and have a meeting point.

Check out: #EndSARS anniversary: Falz, Mr Macaroni challenge government over injustice

“If you want to protest, it is your right under the law but you don’t have to block the road because, in the process of obstructing the road, you are no longer protesting for a better life for people.

“However, what happens to pregnant women in an emergency, what happens to collapsed buildings, fire incidents when the roads are blocked?

“Don’t forget that this is Lagos, it is the economy of the country and it is equally a working day and you can imagine those lives that earn their living on a daily basis.

“There are some people that cannot feed their families when protesters block the road definitely.”

The commissioner pleaded with the #EndSARS protesters to share adequate information with the police in order to ensure their protection and free flow of traffic.

Read original article on Sahara Reporters.