Federal Capital Territory FCT has banned further protest on #ENDSARS# in Abuja backed by he relevant provisions of the Covid-19 regulations,
The FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammadu Bello announced the ban during a meeting of the FCT Security Committee to review the security situation in the territory with a view to addressing identified challenges.
Chief Press Secretary CPS to the Minister, Anthony Ogunleye in a statement on Thursday said the meeting which was chaired by Malam Bello had in attendance, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, heads of the various security agencies and military formations in the FCT, senior members of staff of the FCTA, representatives of religious and traditional institutions as well as Area Council Chairmen.
After extensive deliberations, “the Committee noted with satisfaction the directive by President Muhammadu Buhari to the Inspector-General of Police to disband the Special Anti-Robbery Squad {SARS} as well as other reforms aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the Nigerian police”..
“However, the Committee noted with concern that despite the pronouncement by the Inspector General of Police scrapping the FSARS, the #EndSARS protests continued in parts of the Territory. The protesters caused inconveniences to law abiding citizens.
“While the Committee recognizes the rights of citizens as regards freedom of association and movement as enshrined in the constitution, it has observed that the unruly conduct of the crowd and manner of demonstrations are in complete violation of the COVID-19 safety protocols which were put in place to safeguard the lives of citizens.
“These violations endanger the lives of not just the demonstrators, but also other citizens going about their legitimate concerns.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the COVID-19 guidelines regulating public gatherings recommend physical distancing, temperature checks, the use of facial coverings, amongst others.
Clearly all these guidelines were flouted by the protesters.
“Consequently, the Committee directs that due to the dangers posed by COVID-19, all street demonstrations, protests and processions will not be allowed anywhere within the FCT”, the statement added.
The Committee also noted what it described as the progress being made in the fight against robbery in illegal and unregistered commercial motor vehicles known as “one chance” and expressed commitment to the introduction of innovative measures that will ensure the safety of commuters.
With the advent of the “Ember” months, the Committee reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of road users across the FCT in accordance with existing guidelines by relevant agencies.
The Committee also noted with satisfaction the successful re-opening of schools after the forced closure due to COVID-19. It however called on parents, students and school authorities to continue to comply with the extant COVID-19 safety protocols.
