The Lagos State Police Command has advised Lagos residents to disregard any sit-at-home order circulated on social media.
According a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police have made plans to secure the state against arsonists and insurrectionists.
The statement read in part, “The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu, appeals to members of the public to disregard any sit-at-home order called by certain groups, which is being circulated on social media and go about their lawful business as the police and other security agencies have made necessary arrangements to maintain law and order across the state.”
His statement came after protesters insisted that they would proceed with protesting despite security directives discouraging such.
The Convener of #RevolutionNow, Omoyele Sowore, told Saturday PUNCH in a series of text messages that there was no legal backing for the security forces to deter protesters.
He said, “The Nigeria Police has no right to tell Nigerians not to participate in protests. It is an inalienable right. Our group will go ahead regardless of the obstacles. If the police decide to use unreasonable force, let it be known that the officers involved will be held responsible even after they retire.
“June 12 is about real democracy and free and fair elections; the Buhari regime reminds us all of the criminal annulment of democratic rule in 1993.”
Similarly, the Convener, Concerned Nigerians, Deji Adeyanju, condemned the threats by the police, saying there was no basis to deny people their right to protest.
He said, “They have no such powers. What is guiding us as a country is the constitution and there are several judicial pronouncements to the effect that protest is a fundamental human right and must be respected by the government.”
