Police, celebrities, activists brace for showdown over ‘illegal’ EndSARS memorial protests
Nigerian rapper Folarin Falana (Falz), comedian Debo Adebayo (Mr Macaroni) and other celebrities will lead demonstrations at the Lekki Toll Plaza today.
The celebrities organised a memorial car procession to mark the first anniversary of last October’s anti-police-brutality protests that culminated in the alleged shooting of peaceful demonstrators at the Lekki tollgate by Nigerian soldiers.
Demonstrations are also planned for other spots across Nigeria.
Last night, the police in Lagos sent armed officers and anti-riot equipment to the tollgate to stop the EndSARS protest.
The authorities said people were free to mark the anniversary online and indoors, adding that street demonstrations would not be tolerated.
But activist publisher and former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, insists that the Lagos State Police Command has no power to stop street protests.
“Our attention has been drawn to the latest statement credited to the Lagos state Command of the Nigeria Police to the effect that no ‘street protests’ will be allowed tomorrow (Wednesday) to mark the historic EndSARS rebellion of 2020 and its attendant fallout due to police repression and Nigerian army’s murderous intervention,” Sowore said in a statement.
“We state unequivocally that it not within the powers of the Nigerian police to stop citizens from engaging in street protests, the right to engage in protest against unjust policies, tyranny and oppression is an inalienable right and as such these latest claims are at best superfluous and belligerently arrogant.
“We urge the police authorities to ensure they carry out their duties to protect protesters who will be on the streets by way of cars, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and by foot all over Lagos and its environs tomorrow (Wednesday).
“The Lagos state police commissioner will be personally held liable if anything untoward happens to any Nigerian citizen engagin lawful protest during the EndSARS anniversary.
“We urge our compatriots to remain steadfast and prepare fully to carry out their conscientious duties and historical tasks tomorrow (Wednesday).”
