Ahead of today’s nationwide protests, security forces have locked down Abuja, the nation’s capital, Lagos, Port Harcourt, and the city centre where participants plan to converge.
At press time, yesterday, the three link roads into Abuja city centre, namely, Kubwa Expressway, Nyanya-Maraba Expressway, and Airport roads, were flooded by armed soldiers. The development caused a major gridlock, as motorists were delayed for several hours.
The sound of siren of security officials also took over Abuja, perhaps, in a show of force ahead of the planned nationwide protest that’s expected to begin on August 1st, 2024.
Meanwhile, at the end of the last week, a military checkpoint was returned to Kugbo along Abuja-Keffi to checkmate movement, and in readiness for the proposed protest.
The development caused some palpable panic and anxiety among commuters and motorists from the Nyanya axis of FCT who were, expectedly, subjected to mild traffic obstructions.
In addition, there was an increased number of security officials comprising the Police, National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Immigration officers, and several others on the road and within communities in the Nyanya axis of FCT, while more police vehicles were conspicuously positioned.
At the Eagle Square, Abuja, a large number of police and military vehicles, alongside officials were stationed, for quick response to any breakdown of law and order.
Similarly, a large number of police officers were mobilised to Unity Fountain, Abuja, which is usually the place of convergence and also the starting point for such an event.
At the Kubwa axis of the expressway, a long queues of vehicles trapped in the man-made traffic, occasioned by the blockade set up by military men, stretched up to 20 kilometres.
In Lagos, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), personnel from other units of the police force, civil defence and others were visibly present at Ikeja, Obalende, Oworonshoki, Yaba, Ojuelegba and other areas.
The situation was similar in Benin City, Abeokuta, Kano and Ibadan.
•Court restricts protesters to Abuja Stadium
Meanwhile, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has restricted participants to the MKO Abiola stadium also known as National Stadium.
The order of Justice Sylvanus Oriji was sequel to an ex parte motion filed by the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike.
Chief James Onoja, who moved the motion, argued that the reliefs sought were for the interest of national security.
Wike had applied for an order of interim injunction restraining the five leaders of the protesting groups from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, streets, offices and public premises within the FCT between August 1 to August 10, or any other day thereafter, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.
He also applied for another order of interim injunction mandating the security agencies to prevent the protesting leaders from gathering or parading themselves along any roadway, offices or public premises within the FCT between August 1 and 10, pending the hearing of his motion on notice.
The minister who said the Federal Government was not averse to the protest claimed that intelligence and security reports reaching him indicated that some elements within the leadership of the protesters intend to capitalise on the planned protest to cause havoc and irreparable damages to public facilities and blocking of roadways to prevent movement of persons and vehicles and disturb public peace.
He claimed that when he contacted the security agencies to ensure the planned protest did not degenerate into criminality and disturbance of public peace and order, he was told they were not well equipped to manage any crisis that may arise from the planned protest at a short notice hence they advised him that prevention is better than cure.
The Minister tendered an exhibit from the “Take it Back Movement, FCT” signed by one Damilare Adenola, in which they threatened to invade the Presidential Villa and also threatened to pull down the outer wires facing the Aso Rock villa during the protest
Besides, they demanded that the FCT provide them with a light as well as toilet facilities during the duration of the protest.
In his ruling, Justice Oriji, who recognised the rights of the protesters to embark on the protest, however restricted them to the Stadium in view of the genuine fears expressed by the minister
• Orders protesters to limit activities to 4 locations in Ogun
An Ogun State High Court has also ordered sponsors of the protests to limit their activities to four locations in the state.
The court also restricted the time-frame to between 8 am and 5 pm.
Granting an application moved by the State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, Justice O. Ogunfowora prohibited the protesters from protesting anywhere in the state except at the MKO Stadium, Abeokuta; Ansar-ud-Deen Comprehensive High School, Ota; Remo Divisional High School, Sagamu; and Dipo Dina Stadium, Ijebu-Ode.
The Attorney-General explained that the four locations are across the four divisions of the state in the three senatorial districts, allowing protesters in those vicinities to conveniently participate in the protests under adequate protection and without infringing on the rights of any non-protesting members of the public.
The judge, in his ruling, also prohibited any protest from taking place outside the hours of 8 am to 5 pm.
The judge further directed the Commissioner of Police in Ogun State to enforce the order and ensure that the protests are held only in the specified locations and during the time periods stated in the order.
The case was adjourned to August 6.
•Panic
Regardless, the Federal Government appears to be in a state of fear of the nationwide hunger protest, as it has warned that bandits, insurgents and other criminals were on the prowl to hijack the demonstration.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who spoke yesterday at the presidential ministerial briefing in Abuja, however, said it was the rights of citizens to protest, saying that it should be done within the ambit of the law.
Akume pointed out that no nation became developed without initiating stringent measures and policies over a long period of time.
According to him, the on-going economic hardships would abate very soon and citizens would enjoy endless prosperity.
“We wish to inform you that Nigeria is a work in progress and we shall heave a sigh. Nothing good comes easy. There are sacrifices that should be made
“We call on our people to shun protest against hunger. For the avoidance of doubt, President Bola Tinubu recognizes the right to a peaceful protest. But circumspection should be our watchword.
“The danger associated with protest is that it is being hijacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals, as it happened during the #EndSARS protest. As Nigerians, we should pursue the path of peace by collaborating and embracing the challenges that collectively confront us.
“Please, go about your legitimate businesses and avoid actions that are capable of disturbing the peace of the country. Remain vigilant. I want to reassure you that we can create a Nigeria of peace and stability,” he said.
Credit: The Sun