As the nationwide “EndBadGovernance” protest approaches, the Ondo State Police Command has issued a firm warning to organizers, urging them to maintain law and order. The protest is scheduled to begin on August 1st and run through August 10th.
In a press conference held in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday, the State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipupo, addressed the media, flanked by other top security officials. Oladipupo emphasized that all security agencies in the state are fully prepared to ensure peace and order throughout the duration of the protest.
He stated, “What we are saying is that we should allow peace to reign in Ondo State.”
The commissioner acknowledged the nationwide discontent driving the protest, noting that it is a citizen-led initiative aimed at addressing grievances related to governance. He reiterated that the right to protest is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution under section 40, which guarantees the right to freely assemble and express concerns.
Oladipupo continued, “The citizens have the right to freely assemble and ventilate their concerns as to how they have governed. However, other Nigerians who are not interested in being part of the protest have their rights as well to freedom of movement. We all have the right and that right must be protected by the two sides.”
