…Do not test our resolve–Police
CITIZENS COMPASS—As the nationwide protests entered Day 3 on Saturday, August 3, 2024, the protesters have vowed to extend the protest s to streets in Lagos State.
This is just as they called for prayers directing that there won’t be protests on Sunday to enable people to pray for a hitch-free protest.
The protesters disclosed this at Ojota, the venue of Lagos protest over the weekend.
Recall that the #EndBadGovernancein Nigeria protests kicked off nationwide on Thursday, August 1.
They promised a new phase of protests on Monday should the Nigerian government ignore them or fail to yield to their demands.
Addressing the protesters at Ojota, Comrade Hassan Taiwo Soweto, National Coordinator, Education Rights Campaign (ERC), and a leading member of Democratic Socialist Movement, said the fundamental human rights of the protesters should be protected.
He said the protests would extend to the streets of Lagos effective Monday until the government was ready to hearken to them.
Meanwhile, vehicular activities have increased in Lagos compared with the Days 1 and 2 of the protests although some Lagos suburb have not resumed fully owing to the fear of the unknown.
Checks by Citizens Compass on Saturday revealed that despite the hike in the price of petrol, fares in some parts of Lagos reduced drastically as commercial drivers were seen struggling to get passengers.
This was observed at Ikorodu Garage down to Ojota and OJodu/Berger where few passengers were noticed as commercial drivers were seen scouting for passengers.
Fares from Berger to Ketu which ordinarily go for N400 was crashed to N200 due to poor turn out of passengers.
Ketu to Ikorodu Garage was slashed to N400 instead of the usual N700 by Yellow buses.
Ketu to Oshodi was also slashed to N200 instead of N300.
Citizens Compass noticed few commuters at Bus Rapid Transit shelters with the buses waiting for passengers.
Feelers from Obanikoro, Fadeyi down to Oyingbo said few passengers were noticed.
At OJodu/Berger, a commercial driver was seen shouting on top of his voice in his local language, “Epo l’o won, moto o won (the price of petrol has increased but vehicles did not).
In a chat with our Correspondent, Soweto said protest is a fundamental human rights which should be supported by the government.
It will be recalled that before the protests, a High Court in Lagos had restricted the protests to Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and the Peace Park in Ketu which the protesters have strictly adhered to since Thursday.
However, Soweto said they were ready to vacate Ketu/Ojota and extend the protests to the streets.
Asked if this would not contravene the Court order, he said, “Thank you for the question. The court order itself violates our fundamental human rights as it is inconsistent with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution which guarantees the right to freedom of assembly. So as far as we are concerned, our decision to march on the streets of Lagos is within our rights under the Constitution.”
In a swift response, spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, on his X Handle said, “Be law abiding!
“We will be courteous but firm, very firm.
“Do not test our resolve.”
Reacting to the Day 3 protests, the spokesperson said, ‘You literally force non-protesting motorists to a standstill and shout ‘No road’ repeatedly and menacingly.
“And you compare that with another scenario where motorists were moving freely, slowly but surely, without any fear or apprehension or direct confrontation pre-August 1.
“The court order which is binding on everyone says all ‘peaceful public protest, rallies, procession and meetings’ between August 1 and 10 must hold at designated parks from 8a.m to 6p.m.
“Was that a procession or road blockage? We all know what we are doing!”
Meanwhile, the protest is gaining traction on social media.
