The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, says the command is ready to provide adequate protection to peaceful and lawful protesters.
Mr Sonubi stated this on Monday in Ibadan during a stakeholders’ meeting on the command’s preparedness towards the planned nationwide protest slated for August 1.
The meeting was attended by religious leaders, traditional rulers, transport unions, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress, among others.
Mr Osinubi said the police acknowledged the undebatable right of the citizens to engage in peaceful protest, which must not, however, turn violent.
He said it was imperative for those carrying out the protest to ensure it was peaceful and violence-free.
“When a protest turns violent, it is criminal to the police at that point, and we will need to deal with the situation as it arises.
“There is no law enforcement agency that will allow criminality to have its way. The moment it turns violent, the law will turn its face and act appropriately,” Mr Sonubi said.
Mr Sonubi said the damage and destruction done to the citizens and the police during the 2020 EndSARs protest was still fresh in the memories of Nigerians.
He called on the protest organisers to show their identities and approach the police on the route of the demonstrations and other plans for adequate protection.
Mr Sonubi said there must be synergy between the police and the protest organisers for adequate protection and to prevent crises.
He called on parents, religious leaders and leaders of influence to warn their children not to be used but to embrace peace.
Mr Sonubi said there would be consequences for those found culpable during the protest, even as he assured that the rights of the citizens would be respected throughout the protest.
Olojede Victor, Senior Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Student Affairs and the South-West coordinator of NANS, Alao John, said they were doing everything possible to ensure that no protest was held in the state.
The duo assured of peaceful protest, if any in the state and expressed their readiness to engage the government for the country’s unity, peace and development.
The Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Yekin Abass, and the deputy secretary of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), Alimi Aremu, said their members would not participate in the protest.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Ariori Asimiyu, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians, adding, however, that violent protest would not solve the problem.