The Edo State Police Command said on Wednesday there would be no procession by protesters during the #Endbadgovernance nationwide protest slated for August 1, 2024.
Newspot reports that the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Command, Funsho Adegboye, who disclosed this to newsmen at a press briefing in Benin City, said it was part of the agreement reached by the organisers of the protest in the
state.
Adegboye said the protest would only take place in designated areas across the three senatorial districts of the state.
The commissioner warned that anyone found gathering outside the designated areas would be treated as a criminal.
According to him: “In line with consultations with the organisers of the #Endbadgovernance in the state, we have agreed that there will be protest in the state.
“The protest will be in the mode of occupying designated areas. Nobody will be allowed to march on the streets or in a procession. The protest will be peaceful, and no molestation, harassment of anybody or blockade of roads.
“Police will protect peaceful protesters because it is their right to express their grievances. If possible, we will provide water for them. There will be no blocking of roads, no coercion and procession. We will be at the venue with ambulance in case of emergency.
“Anybody found in other areas not designated for the protest will be treated as common criminals. The police will be decisive.”
Adegboye added that the police command would constitute a situation room with the leaders of the protest to ensure that hoodlums do not hijack the exercise.
He advised citizens to remain calm, adding that they would be allowed to carry out their businesses.
On his part, Governor Godwin Obaseki called on the organisers of the protest to consider adopting other forms of protest outside marching and processions on the streets.
Obaseki urged members of the public to be vigilant and not allow miscreants to hijack the peaceful protests to actualize their devious plans to loot shops and markets and cause mayhem.
“I have mobilised security agencies in the state to be on high alert and ensure that law and order are maintained and provide protection for genuine protesters who must follow the law and ensure that they carry out their protest in a peaceful and orderly manner.
“Let me use this broadcast to warn all those who want to use the protest as a pretext to destroy and attack business premises and public infrastructure that the government would bring the full weight of the law on them and spare no resources in bringing them to justice.
“I enjoin all law-abiding citizens to go about their lawful businesses without fear, as the government remains committed to protecting lives and property and will continue to work for the growth and progress of our dear state,” he said.
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