The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Ayodele Sonubi, has assured the public that the police command is ready to provide protection to peaceful protesters while warning against any form of violence. During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ibadan on the command’s preparedness for the planned nationwide protest on August 1, Sonubi emphasized the citizens’ undebatable right to engage in peaceful protest, urging that it must remain non-violent.
He reiterated that the police would offer adequate protection to peaceful protesters but would not hesitate to address any escalation into violence, noting that such acts would be met with the necessary legal response. Sonubi recalled the significant damage and destruction during the 2020 EndSARs protest, underscoring the police’s commitment to preventing a recurrence.
The police commissioner called for cooperation between the police and protest organizers, encouraging them to reveal their identities and coordinate with law enforcement for a peaceful demonstration. He urged parents, religious leaders, and community influencers to advise against using the protest for violent purposes.
In response, Olojede Victor, Senior Special Adviser to Gov. Seyi Makinde on Student Affairs, and Alao John, the South-West Coordinator of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), assured that they were working to ensure any protest remained peaceful and were prepared to engage with the government constructively.
Representatives from various groups, including the Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekin Abass, and the Deputy Secretary of the Oyo State Park Management System (PMS), Alimi Aremu, indicated their members would not participate in the protest. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by Chief Ariori Asimiyu, acknowledged the challenges faced by Nigerians and called for grievances to be directed to appropriate channels while urging the Federal Government to address the nation’s issues.