By Bukola Olamona

Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed that the organisers of the August 1 – 10 2024 in Ondo State to provide information about the location of the protest to the state police command before the day of the protest.

The directive is contained in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Ondo State Police Command, Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya.
Odunlami-Omisanya said the directive is in line with the instruction from the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, who emphasized the need for security arrangements to ensure a peaceful demonstration.

The PPRO highlighted that the police command recognizes the fundamental rights of citizens to protest as a means to express their frustrations.

She, however, said that no responsible government will permit violent protests that infringe on the rights and freedoms of other citizens who may not want to participate.

“In view of the above, the Commissioner of Police CP Abayomi Peter Oladipo has directed that organizers of the protest if any within Ondo State are to submit details of their activity with the office of the command PPRO indicating venue of convergence for the command to make arrangement on the required security in identified areas of the protest.

“CP Abayomi urged both the Organizers and protesters to partner with the Police during this time to be able to wade off criminal elements who may want to hijack the protest or use it as a means to carry out their dastardly act as the command will provide adequate security for the Protesters and the state at large.

“The command is also using this medium to appeal to all participants in the protest to maintain the sanctity of public gathering and lawful assembly while avoiding acts that can lead to breakdown of law and order in the state.

“While assuring law abiding residents and citizens transiting through Ondo state of robust police protection, peaceful and violence free protest during the time under review,” the PPRO said.