The Lagos State Government has obtained an ex parte order from the Federal High Court restricting the upcoming #EndBadGovernance protests to Gani Fawehinmi Park in Ojota and Freedom Park in Ketu. This move comes amidst growing concerns over potential violence and clashes between protesters and security forces......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
In a letter addressed to the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Lawal Pedro Esq. SAN, human rights lawyer Femi Falana drew parallels to previous protests that ended in tragedy despite being confined to specific locations.
Falana cited the January 2012 protests against fuel subsidy removal and the October 2020 #EndSARS protests, both of which saw unarmed protesters killed by security forces and attacked by thugs.
Falana emphasized that while the right to peaceful assembly is enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution and reinforced by a 2008 Court of Appeal ruling, the government has a duty to ensure the safety of protesters. He called on the Chief Law Officer of Lagos State to direct the police to arrest any thugs intimidating peaceful protesters and to maintain order.
Letter to Lawal Pedro, AG Lagos Syaye
“Notwithstanding that the Federal High Court has restricted the protesters to the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park and the Peace Park, you have a duty, as the Chief Law Officer of the State to direct the Police to arrest the thugs who are currently intimidating unarmed protesters without any further delay,” Falana stated in his letter.