In a demonstration of preparedness, security agencies in Oyo State, including the police, army, and NSCDC, among others, embarked on a joint show of force in Ibadan metropolis on Tuesday, ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
The exercise, which began at the Police Command headquarters, Eleyele, took the security personnel to various locations in the city, including Mokola roundabout, Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi-Gate, Iwo Road, Bodija, and Challenge.
Commissioner of Police in the state, Ayodele Sonubi, briefed newsmen on the reason for the exercise, stating that it was to create awareness among the public on the readiness of security personnel towards the planned protest.
He emphasized that the security agencies were not averse to peaceful protests but would not tolerate violent ones.
Sonubi said, “It is not your right to coerce others to join the protest. Nobody, including the security agencies, have the right to stop peaceful protest. Our right is to protect peaceful protesters and their property. But the moment it turns violent, we have the right to lead and bring orderliness.”
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He noted that Nigerians had witnessed many protests, some peaceful and others bloody, citing the 2020 EndSARS protest as an example. Sonubi added that the government was aware of the challenges faced by Nigerians and had taken steps to address them.
He called on citizens to exercise caution in the interest of peace and progress, stating that security agencies would act appropriately to ensure orderliness if the protest turned violent.
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