Hunger protest: We’ll protect protesters, other citizens, say police

Less than 24 hours before the commencement of the nationwide protest, the Ondo State Police Command has warned the organisers of the planned protest to maintain law and order.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Oladipupo, gave the warning while speaking with journalists in Akure, the state capital, on Wednesday.

Oladipupo who was flanked by other security chiefs in the state,  said all the security agencies are fully on the ground to ensure peace in the state.

He said, “What we are saying is that we should allow peace to reign in Ondo State.

“We are all aware of what is on the ground in the country as relates to protest by the citizens of this country titled ‘EndBadGovernance’ which built to start from August 1st to 10th.

“We are on the frontline and I want to let you know that protest is a fundamental right in any democracy and no responsible government will want to take away the right under section 40 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

“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.”

The police boss declared that the police would not allow the protest to be hijacked by hoodlums.

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