As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 64th Independence Day on October 1, 2024, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olanrewaju Ishola, has issued a stern warning to protesters, cautioning them against causing unrest during the proposed nationwide demonstration. This comes as the federal government officially declared October 1 a public holiday.
In a statement released by the Lagos Police Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, Ishola emphasized the need for peaceful demonstrations, urging protestors to avoid violence for the sake of public safety. The police chief revealed that there had been intelligence suggesting some dissatisfied youths were planning a protest in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
Ishola’s statement followed a strategic meeting held with traditional rulers, religious leaders, and social media influencers to address security concerns in the state. The discussions centered on strategies to maintain peace during the protest while ensuring that citizens could voice their concerns without fear of violence.
The Commissioner of Police also called on Nigerian influencers and leaders to act responsibly by reporting any threats that could jeopardize public safety. He reassured Lagosians that the police are fully prepared to protect law-abiding citizens during the protests.
The planned protest, labeled “A Day of Survival,” follows the #EndBadGovernance movement and is expected to highlight issues of bad governance in Nigeria. The protest is scheduled to coincide with the nation’s Independence Day celebrations.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the Independence Day public holiday on behalf of the federal government. In his message to Nigerians, he congratulated the populace and urged them to remain committed to building a united and prosperous nation. Tunji-Ojo praised the resilience and sacrifices of Nigerians and emphasized that collective effort is key to realizing the nation’s dreams.