Police Relations: CP Jimoh Engages CSOs on Peaceful June 12 Democracy Day in Lagos
In a proactive move to ensure a peaceful Democracy Day celebration and manage planned protests, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, today held a crucial meeting with the leadership of fifteen Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Lagos. The gathering, held at the CP’s office, focused on fostering a collaborative environment for the upcoming June 12 events.
The interactive session saw the Police team, led by CP Jimoh, engage in robust discussions with the CSO representatives regarding public safety and security during tomorrow’s activities. A significant outcome of the meeting was the unanimous agreement among all groups to prioritize public safety and security in their conduct throughout the June 12 celebration.
During the discussions, approximately half of the CSOs present affirmed their intention to join fellow Nigerians in celebrating Democracy Day. The remaining half, however, indicated their plans to participate in peaceful and orderly protests, with a firm commitment to avoid any disturbance of public peace and safety.
Crucially, all protesting groups reached a consensus on a designated protest route and location. They agreed to converge simultaneously at Ikeja Under-Bridge and then proceed jointly to the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota for their demonstration. It was explicitly agreed that no protest would take place anywhere else in the state.
The meeting also delved into strategies for maintaining peace, law, and order throughout the June 12 celebration.
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Among the prominent CSO leaders who attended the meeting were Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People), Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group), Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Society Advocacy Groups), Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia (Human Right Monitor), Mr. Festus Ojotoro (Human Right Monitor), Mr. Kehinde Adeoye (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome Kuti), Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline), Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group), Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi, Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights), Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau (CSO Lagos Mainland LGA), and a representative from Initiatives for Development and Advocacy.
The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they would disseminate the resolutions and outcomes of the meeting to other non-attending CSOs to ensure widespread compliance.
Emphasis was placed on the importance of adhering to all security measures to protect lives and property across the state. All CSOs were urged to ensure their protests remained peaceful and were not hijacked by hoodlums or miscreants intent on causing mayhem or chaos. They were further advised to avoid disrupting the free flow of traffic, public peace, law, and order, thereby allowing other well-meaning Nigerians to celebrate Democracy Day without hindrance.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing security for all Nigerians celebrating Democracy Day and those exercising their right to protest peacefully. The general public is enjoined to remain peaceful and law-abiding, upholding the peace currently enjoyed in Lagos State.
The Command expressed its appreciation for the cooperation of the CSOs and encouraged all residents to celebrate June 12 without fear or apprehension and to go about their daily activities peacefully.
Lagosians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest police station for immediate action.
By PRNigeria
