Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Muhammad
Musa Bello, has banned all forms of street protests in the capital city of
Abuja.
Bello announced the ban at a security meeting which had in
attendance, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, heads of various
security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff
of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well
as Area Council Chairmen.
This followed the demonstration against police brutality in
Abuja.
The peaceful protest had yesterday turned sore as armed
thugs had attacked demonstrators in Berger area of Abuja.
However, the minister explained that the protest had
endangered the lives of residents.
According to the Minister, the protesters failed to adhere
to the COVID-19 protocols, hence the ban on peaceful protest.
A statement released by FCT Security Committee said: “The
Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari
to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad
{SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the
Nigerian police.
“It also noted that in response to the directive of the
President and the yearnings of the Nigerian people, the Inspector General of
Police has dissolved the SARS across the 36 State Police Commands and the
Federal Capital Territory (FCT) where they hitherto existed.
“However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the
pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the
#ENDSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused
inconveniences to law-abiding citizens.
“While the Committee recognizes the rights of citizens as
regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution,
it has observed that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of
demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which
were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.
“These violations endanger the lives of not just the
demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.
“Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers
posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not
be allowed anywhere within the FCT.”
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