The Lagos State Government has sent a word of caution to Lagosians who will be joining the #OccupyLekkiTollGate protest.
It could be recalled that residents of Lagos are scheduled to hit the streets on February 13 as they register their displeasure about the re-opening of the Lekki Toll Gate as they feel the incident that happened on October 20 during the #EndSARS protests haven’t been properly investigated.
It is from this that the state government has warned them to adhere to the COVID-19 protocols put in place in Nigeria.
The warning was contained in a statement by the Lagos state Commissioner of Justice and state Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo and it reads;
“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.
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.”
Source: ghgossip.com
