The Kwara State Police Command has issued a warning to anyone planning to participate in the current #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria demonstration to abide by the recent court ruling that limits the demonstration to the state capital of Ilorin’s Metropolitan Square on Asa Dam Road.
The state commissioner of police, Mr. Victor Olaiya, signed a statement on Friday on behalf of the Police Public Relations Officer, Ejire-Adeyemi Toun, stating that the command had to issue the warning to avoid miscreants hijacking the protest, as has happened in some other states.
“It is evident that the protests in states like Niger, Borno, Kano, and Yobe have been hijacked, resulting in the loss of lives and properties.
“Citizens wishing to exercise their franchise must comply with the recent court ruling in the state,” the police said.
The statement added that the General Post Office and other venues, apart from the one designated by the Court, were not appropriate places to hold any rally or protest.
“We urge all groups to follow the court ruling, which stipulates that protests must take place at the Metropolitan Square along Asa Dam Road. The Post Office is not an approved location for such gatherings,” it said.
“We also request that protest leaders meet with the Commissioner of Police to strategise on security measures and ensure the safety of all participants.
“Your cooperation is essential towards maintaining public order and safety in the state,” the police said in the statement.
The organizers of the state’s hunger protest, scheduled for August 1–10, have been restricted to the Metropolitan Square in Ilorin, the state capital, by order of the Kwara State Magistrates Court.
On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the court’s chief magistrate, Jibril Salihu, granted an ex parte order after concurring with Ibrahim Sulyman, the commissioner for justice and state attorney general, that allowing protestors to carry out their wishes could lead to violence.
