__Warns Protesters of Vandalism And Covid-19 Regulations
__Charges Police To Respect Protesters Right.
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The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), has warned against the blockage of roads as a form of protest in the state.
Onigbanjo said while the state recognises the rights to peaceful protests, the same cannot extend to blockage of roads including preventing other members of the public from enjoying their fundamental rights to move freely within the state.
He said this in a statement issued on Thursday ahead of a Saturday demonstration at the Lekki tollgate which is organised by some youths against the reopening of the tollgate under the control of Lekki Concession Company.
The Learned Silk, who also doubles as the Lagos State Commissioner for Justice, noted that whilst under the constitution, citizens have a valid right to express their grievance via via their right of protest, they however, cannot infringe on the rights of other citizens via road blockage or restriction of the movement of other lawful citizens amongst others.
Accordingly, such pedestrian actions must be abhor and frowned at. “the State is aware of Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantees the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly. However, such right does not permit the violation of the Rights of other citizens in the State. Whiile the State recognises the importance of exercising the Rights to Peaceful protests, same cannot extend to blockage of roads and or preventing other members of the public from enjoying their Fundamental Rights to move freely within the State.” The statement notes.
Furthermore, the Chief Prosecutor for the Lagos State Government reminded the intending protesters of existing legislations put in place by the state government to check the spread of coronavirus in the state, the legislation amongst other things prohibits any form of gathering beyond 50 persons, as well as, the mandate on social distancing and use of face mask.
“Any person or group with such desire to protest must also bear in mind the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Regulations 2021 which prevents any gathering beyond 50 and other safety measures including but not limited to maintaining Social Distancing and the use of face mask. The Attorney General hereby enjoins everyone to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Regulations and any other extant laws in the State. The right to protest peacefully does not exempt anyone from violating laws. Any violator will therefore be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Mr. Moyosoro Onigbanjo SAN, however cautioned the security operatives, particularly the Nigerian Police to respect citizens’ rights and called on them to be professional in their duty in accordance with the law. “The Nigeria Police is equally urged, that in responding to any protest, it should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.”
Recall that following the decision of the Lagos Panel on Police brutality which ordered the reopening of the Lekki Toll Plaza, some Nigerians have taken to social media to arrange for a planned protest for the 13th of February, 2021 as a way of ventilating their irritation about the decision.
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