The Ondo State Police Command has requested for the organisers of the protest scheduled to hold on August 1 to submit the details of their activities to the command to avoid the likelihood of the protest getting hijacked by hoodlums.
Abayomi Oladipupo, the State Commissioner of Police had issued the directive on Saturday following the earlier order from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.
This announcement was contained in a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Funmilayo Odunlami.
What They’re Saying
The statement titled: ‘Nationwide Protest: organizers to furnish police command with locations of protest before the day for security arrangement’ 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 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 statement concluded.
Why It Matters
By requesting protest organizers to submit details of their activities, the Ondo state police aims to prevent the protest from being sabotaged by hoodlums. This is because having information about the protest’s location, participants, and plans allows law enforcement to take necessary security measures and maintain order during the event.
In addition, knowing the locations where the protest will take place, allows these law enforcement officers to properly allocate resources, monitor the situation, and ensure the safety of both protesters and the general public.
