Authorities of the Ekiti State Police Command has advised youths in Ekiti State to have a rethink as far as the planned protest is concern.
The command in a statement by its spokesman, DSP Sunday Abutu said though the youths have rights to peaceful protest, it will not tolerate infringement on rights of others.
It also asked those planning the protest to provide the police with necessary details of the movement, it’s leaders and how to guide against hijack by criminals.
The statement reads:”The Command equally understands and acknowledges the constitutional rights of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest. But protest characterized by violence that could negatively affect the lives and property of innocent citizens is unacceptable as the safety and peace of our dear State cannot be traded with any individual interest or satisfaction. The Command will not tolerate the killing or injuring of innocent citizens, destruction of public or private infrastructure, infringing of innocent citizens right to movement, looting of private businesses, amongst others.
“As the Command will continue to collaborate with other security agencies and the State Government to ensure adequate security and welfare for the citizenry, the good people of Ekiti State are implored to have a rethink about the protest as intelligence report has it that criminal elements are plotting to hide under the guise of protest to destabilize the Country.
“However, the Command, having the full understanding of the right of citizens to protest and ensuring adequate security is provided, minimize the risk of conflicts, violence , damage or other criminal activities, and establish clear communication channels with protest leaders, mandates any group who wishes to protest to make the following information available to the Commissioner of Police:
- Proposed protest routes and assembly points
- Expected duration of the protest
- Names and contact details of protest leaders and organizers
- Measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, including key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers
“The Command encourages members of the public especially all protesters to cooperate with the Police, be law abiding, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights while we shall continue to ensure the maintenance of public order and protection of lives and properties of all innocent citizens.