The Oyo State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner Ayodele Sonubi, has committed to safeguarding peaceful and lawful demonstrators. This assurance was given during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Ibadan to discuss preparations for a nationwide protest planned for August 1.
Commissioner Sonubi emphasized the Police Command’s readiness to ensure that citizens can exercise their right to peaceful protest.
“When a protest turns violent, it is criminal to the Police at that point and we will need to deal with the situation as it arises,” Sonubi noted, adding, “There is no law enforcement agency that will allow criminality to have its way. The moment it turns violent, the law will turn its face and act appropriately.”
The meeting saw the participation of a diverse group of stakeholders, including religious leaders, traditional rulers, representatives from transport unions, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Sonubi reassured attendees that the Police Command acknowledges the undeniable right of citizens to protest peacefully. However, he warned that any shift towards violence would be met with strict law enforcement measures. “It is imperative for those carrying out the protest to ensure it is peaceful and violence-free,” he said.
