Gbenro Adesina
There are strong indications that protests from aggrieved Nigerians and groups against Nigerian government will characterised the 60th Independence Anniversary Celebration of Nigeria, which holds on October 1, 2020.
Ethnic groups, individuals, and groups proposing to protest are aggrieved about poor leadership, poor economic policies and generally held believe that the Nigeria project has failed beyond repair.
As at the time of filing this report, some Yoruba Groups under the aegis of Yoruba World Congress (YWC), have concluded arrangements to hold rally aimed at demanding for Yoruba Nation, to be carved out of Nigeria.
Also, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) asking for Biafra Nation in the South East of Nigeria has declared a sit-at-home on October 1, 2020, to press for their demands.
A group, organising a protest said, “Are you a victim of Nigerian government? Abandoned road construction, police brutality, abandoned healthcare system, senior citizens abuse, Estimated DISCOs bill, human rights abuse, and unemployment. Mass action protest October 1”.
However, the Nigeria Police have warned that no protesters should be seen on the streets of Nigeria protesting saying that anyone that violate such order would be mercilessly dealt with.
While the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, in-charge of the Department of Information and Communication Technology, DIG Celestine Okoye, in Lagos, charged the policemen to resist any form of disorder capable of disintegrating the country, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu said that his command would not tolerate any form of rally or protest from any group of persons in the state today, as the country marks its 60th Independence anniversary.
Also, in a statement issued by the Nigeria Police Force, the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar Adamu, has ordered increased surveillance and security deployments across the country to forestall any breach of the peace and ensure hitch-free celebrations on the occasion of the country’s 60th Independence Day celebration.
Stressing that the commissioners of police and their supervisory AIGs have been directed to ensure the safety and security of the public space in their various Areas of Responsibilities, Adamu pointed out that the Strategic Officers would strengthen the visibility policing structure and carry-out confidence building patrols particularly around residential areas, major highways and Government/Private infrastructure to prevent/arrest any untoward situation
