S ecurity forces, including soldiers and police, have taken over Eagle Square in Abuja in anticipation of the #EndBadGovernance protest set for Thursday. Over 300 security personnel, along with 26 military vans, 12 police patrol vehicles, and a Black Maria, were observed at the location by our correspondents.
The heavy security presence followed a disagreement between the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and protest organizers over the conduct of the demonstration. The police suggested confined protests for public safety, but this was rejected by the protest organizers, including human rights lawyer Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa and other members of the Take It Back Movement.
Despite the security measures, the Lagos State High Court restricted the protest in Lagos to specific locations. Justice Emmanuel Ogundare ruled that demonstrations could only take place at Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park in Ojota and Peace Park in Ketu from August 1 to August 10, 2024. This decision came after an ex parte application filed by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro, SAN, citing public safety concerns.
Pedro argued that unrestricted protests could lead to economic sabotage and highlighted the insufficient manpower to secure multiple locations across the state. The court's order includes provisions for the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to provide security and manage traffic at the designated protest sites.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces' takeover of Eagle Square has created a climate of fear among civil servants and residents, with many planning to avoid the area during the protests. Security measures have been intensified across Abuja, including heightened surveillance by the Guards Brigade, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, and other agencies.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju urged the Chief of Army Staff to withdraw the military presence, arguing that maintaining internal security is the police's responsibility. Protest organizers remain undeterred, with plans to converge on Eagle Square despite the FCT Minister's refusal to grant them the venue.
In other states, such as Oyo and Kogi, security agencies have also conducted shows of force to ensure readiness for the planned protest. The Catholic Bishops of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and other leaders have called for peaceful protests, urging restraint and constructive dialogue.
The upcoming protest, aimed at addressing issues like bad governance and economic hardship, has sparked widespread debate and concern about potential violence and the government's response. As the nation braces for the demonstrations, calls for peaceful and lawful conduct continue to echo from various quarters.
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