Ahead of Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations on June 12, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Owohunwa Jimoh, held a strategic meeting with leaders of 15 civil society organizations (CSOs) to ensure a peaceful and orderly commemoration. The dialogue focused on managing planned protests and maintaining public safety throughout the events slated for tomorrow.
The meeting, which held at the Commissioner’s office in Ikeja, was convened in response to notifications of planned peaceful demonstrations by some groups, while others expressed their intention to simply celebrate the day with fellow Nigerians.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, the engagement was interactive throughout, with both the police and CSO representatives emphasizing the importance of ensuring public safety and protecting lives and property during the day’s events.
During the discussion, half of the civil society leaders present confirmed that they would participate in commemorative celebrations, while the remaining half disclosed plans to embark on peaceful protests.
All protesting groups agreed to converge at Ikeja Under-Bridge and proceed in a single procession to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota, the only authorized protest venue.
Both parties also agreed that no protest activity will take place outside the designated location, in order to prevent any breach of peace or disruption to traffic and daily activities across the state.
The Commissioner emphasized the need for discipline, security consciousness, and cooperation.
He advised the CSOs to discourage infiltration of their processions by hoodlums and miscreants who may attempt to hijack the event and cause chaos.
CSO leaders assured the Police Commissioner that they would relay the resolutions reached at the meeting to other organizations not in attendance to ensure citywide compliance and a unified approach to the day’s activities.
The civil society representatives present at the meeting included Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Society Advocacy Groups), Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia and Mr. Festus Ojotoro (Human Right Monitor), Mr. Kehinde Adeoye, Mr. Isa Oyetunji and Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti), Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline), Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group).
Others are; Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi, Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau (CSO Lagos Mainland LGA), and a representative of the Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.
Reiterating its commitment to protecting Lagosians, the Lagos State Police Command urged all residents to celebrate Democracy Day peacefully and go about their lawful activities without fear or apprehension.
“The Command appreciates the cooperation of the CSOs and calls on all residents of the State to go out and celebrate the June 12 Democracy Day tomorrow without fear or apprehension,” the statement read.
Citizens are also encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police station. The Command’s emergency control rooms remain active and can be reached on 08063299264 and 08065154338.
The Lagos State Police Command assured the public that officers will be deployed across strategic locations to ensure a secure environment for the June 12 celebration.
