Advertisement

Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, has stated that the Lagos State Police Command have no power to stop street protests.

Advertisement

He made this known in a statement on Tuesday titled, ‘A Rejoinder to Nigeria Police Force Lagos Command!’, where he insisted that the planned protests would still hold on the 20th of October.

Advertisement

Entertainers and key players in the protest Falz and Mr Macaroni, had earlier announced that a memorial car procession would be held at Lekki Tollgate in Lagos.

However, the police had stated that only indoor and virtual protests would be allowed on Wednesday.

Advertisement

Reacting to that, Sowore said, “Our attention has been drawn to the latest statement credited to the Lagos state Command of the Nigeria Police to the effect that no “street protests” will be allowed tomorrow (Wednesday) to mark the historic #Endsars rebellion of 2020 and its attendant fallout due to police repression and Nigerian army’s murderous intervention.

Advertisement

“We state unequivocally that it not within the powers of the Nigerian police to stop citizens from engaging in street protests, the right to engage in protest against unjust policies, tyranny and oppression is an inalienable right and as such these latest claims are at best superfluous and belligerently arrogant.

“We urge the police authorities to ensure they carry out their duties to protect protesters who will be on the streets by way of cars, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and by foot all over Lagos and its environs tomorrow (Wednesday).

“The Lagos state police commissioner will be personally held liable if anything untoward happens to any Nigerian citizen engagin lawful protest during the #Endsars anniversary.

“We urge our compatriots to remain steadfast and prepare fully to carry out their conscientious duties and historical tasks tomorrow (Wednesday).”