‘Don’t flout coronavirus rules' - Lagos state govt warns residents ahead of protest

The Lagos state government has warned residents planning to embark on the #OccupyLekkiTollgate protest to desist from flouting any coronavirus protocols or block roads ahead of the scheduled demonstration on Saturday, February 13, 2021.

This announcement by the state government comes after some Nigerians opposing the reopening of the Lekki Tollgate plans to demonstrate over the reopening following the shooting incident last year October.

According to the Lagos state Commissioner of Justice and State Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, in a statement released on February 11, 2021, the state government hinted that no violent actions will be tolerated.

The statement said:

“Our attention is drawn to the planned protest scheduled for Saturday, February 13, 2021, at the Lekki Toll Gate for and against the opening of the Admiralty Toll Gate,” a statement from the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, said on Thursday.

The State is aware of Sections 39 and 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which guarantees the Rights to Freedom of Expression and Peaceful Assembly. However, such right does not permit the violation of the Rights of other citizens in the State.

While the State recognises the importance of exercising the Rights to Peaceful protests, same cannot extend to blockage of roads and or preventing other members of the public from enjoying their Fundamental Rights to move freely within the State.

Any person or group with such desire to Protest must also bear in mind the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Health Regulations 2021 which prevents any gathering beyond 50 and other safety measures including but not limited to maintaining Social Distancing and the use of face mask.

The Attorney General hereby enjoins everyone to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Regulations and any other extant laws in the State. The right to protest peacefully does not exempt anyone from violating laws. Any violator will therefore be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

Furthermore, any individual or corporate body who incites or condones any act leading to the destruction of public and private properties shall be prosecuted under the extant laws and in addition to any penalty the court might pronounce, such person or body will be liable to compensate for any damage which is as a result of the action or inaction of such person or body,” it said.

The Nigeria Police is equally urged, that in responding to any protest, it should respect the rights of the citizen as guaranteed under the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and carry out their duties in accordance with the law.”