The Lagos State Police Command and 15 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have reached a consensus to hold all Democracy Day protests at a single approved venue — the Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota.
The agreement was reached during an interactive session held on Wednesday between the Lagos Commissioner of Police, CP Olohundare Jimoh, and leaders of various CSOs ahead of the June 12 activities.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, both parties agreed that the peaceful protest would begin with a joint convergence under the Ikeja Bridge, from where protesters will march together to Ojota.
“No protest will take place anywhere else except at the only designated place at Gani Fawehinmi Park, Ojota,” Hundeyin stated.
He noted that the CSOs present were divided in approach, with some opting to mark Democracy Day with peaceful celebrations, while others would proceed with non-violent protests. Regardless of method, all groups pledged to maintain peace and not obstruct public movement or disrupt the celebrations of other citizens.
The Police emphasized the importance of preventing the protest from being hijacked by hoodlums or turning into unrest, and encouraged CSO leaders to uphold the agreed code of conduct.
“The CSOs assured the Commissioner of Police that they will communicate the outcome of the meeting and the resolutions reached to other CSOs not in attendance to ensure widespread compliance,” the statement added.
CP Jimoh reaffirmed the readiness of the police to provide security across the state and urged all Lagosians to celebrate the day peacefully and lawfully.
The CSO representatives present at the meeting included:
* Mr. Akintunde Adedeji (Access to Advocacy & Rights of People)
* Mr. Omokehinde Agbede (Center for Indigene Government Group)
* Mr. Elijah Ajamu-Ojo (Ideal Him Society Advocacy Groups)
* Mr. Buna Olaitan Isaia & Mr. Festus Ojotoro (Human Rights Monitor)
* Mr. Kehinde Adeoye, Mr. Adetunji Oluwatoyin, and Comrade Isa Oyetunji (Committee for the Defence of Human Rights)
* Mr. Adebanjo Adeleke (Beko Ransome-Kuti Group)
* Mr. Falola O. Olurotimi (Rights Kline)
* Mr. Gbenga Ganzallo (Community Development Group)
* Mr. Lasisi Abiodun, Mr. Ibrahim Oluwatobi, and Mr. Agbodemu I. Musbau (CSO Lagos Mainland LGA and Initiatives for Development and Advocacy)
The joint resolution comes as Nigeria marks Democracy Day, commemorating the nation’s return to civilian rule and honouring the sacrifices of democratic icons, including the late Chief MKO Abiola.
