“It is our right!” – Nigerians react to Lagos Police’s intention to stop 2face-led peaceful protest
Lagos State police has expressed its intention to stop the intended February 6 mass protest.
Nigerian music icon, 2face Idibia intends to lead the masses on a peaceful march from the National Stadium through to the National Theatre, Surulere at 8am.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni, however said his men will prevent the protest from happening, because the demonstration could be hijacked by hoodlums.
Owoseni had stated earlier in the week that there was no official request from the protesters notifying security agencies of their plan.
“The Civil Society had said that they do not need police permission to carry out any peaceful protest, but they should also be aware that there might be those who share an opposing view. This set of persons may want to disrupt the peaceful demonstration and would want to attack demonstrators,” he said at a press conference.
“This is why we advise individuals or group of persons who may wish to embark on civil demonstration to inform the police so that adequate security arrangement would be provided.”
The CP said again on Wednesday the protest will not hold because the police cannot trust 2face to contain the crowd’s excesses.
“Information reaching us revealed that some hoodlums are planning to hijack the peaceful protest. And as such, we won’t allow it to hold in Lagos. We know that Tuface do not have the capacity to contain such a crowd and we will not fold our hands and watch while things go out of hand,” he said.
Nigerians have begun reacting to the intended disruption of the protest, insisting it is their rights to air displeasure at the day’s government.
“Since when did a peaceful protest become a crime in Nigeria that Lagos police are planning to halt?” a displeased Nigerian queried on Twitter.
Another concerned Nigerian said, “We would provide our own security if Lagos Police fails, for so long NigeriaPolice neva really cared about our safety ask southkaduna.”
See more reactions to Lagos Police’s intention below:
We would provide our own security if Lagos Police fails, for so long @NigeriaPolice neva really cared about our safety ask #southkaduna
— al sunnie udogu (@al_sunnie1) February 2, 2017
Since when did a peaceful protest become a crime in Nigeria that Lagos police are planning to halt ?
— Ayo FBI (@PureMind__) February 2, 2017
Mtcheww. When sniper is now 500naira. Lagos police should come and arrest mosquitoes for me nah..
— Badmus Segun Alex (@badmusalex) February 2, 2017
Wonder why the LAGOS POLICE wants to Stop @2faceOfficial protest while their job is to ensure peaceful protect and security.
— Victor Thomas (@am_vector) February 2, 2017
So @MBuhari and @ProfOsinbajo have turned Lagos police on Nigerians who want to lawfully protest against hardship.
So much for CHANGE.— Babanla (@biolakazeem) February 2, 2017
Before the Lagos Police command stops Tuface’s protest, they should remember we are suffering together under the same taskmasters
— FAVOUR ONYEOZIRI (@Rouvafe) February 2, 2017
The Lagos Police command does not have the right to stop a peaceful protest. They must provide security and not attempt to gag Nigerians!
— Akanimo Ukpe, Esq. (@akviktor) February 2, 2017
A 3rd World country will always be a 3rd World country – thanks to Lagos Police for reaffirming that with their statement about the protest.
— Emma’ Essien (@princeesena) February 2, 2017
So, Lagos Police cant provide security for a peaceful protest of a few hundreds but can ensure the safety of tens of thousands in a Marathon
— Emma’ Essien (@princeesena) February 2, 2017
