19th October, 2021
Activist Omoyele Sowore has called on Nigerians to hold Lagos Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu responsible if anything should happen to protesters marking the first anniversary of #EndSARS protest.
Odumosu had warned that the police would deploy all legitimate means to quell the proposed protest on Wednesday.
Sowore, in a rejoinder to the police command, said “Our attention has been drawn to the latest statement credited to the Lagos state Command of the Nigeria Police to the effect that no “street protests” will be allowed tomorrow to mark the historic #Endsars rebellion of 2020 and its attendant fallout due to police repression and Nigerian army’s murderous intervention.
“We state unequivocally that it not within the powers of the Nigerian police to stop citizens from engaging in street protests, the right to engage in protest against unjust policies, tyranny and oppression is an inalienable right and as such these latest claims are at best superfluous and belligerently arrogant.”
He urged the police authorities to ensure they carry out their duties to protect protesters who would be on the streets by way of cars, bicycles, tricycles, skateboards and by foot all over Lagos and its environs tomorrow.
“The Lagos state police commissioner will be personally held liable if anything untoward happens to any Nigerian citizen engaging lawful protest during the #Endsars anniversary.
“We urge our compatriots to remain steadfast and prepare fully to carry out their conscientious duties and historical tasks tomorrow,” Sowore added.